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Chapter Text

Hello, yes this is inspired by "A Walk to Remember," however not everything remains the same as my main target is to adapt this story with the characters from total drama island and how I feel like things would/should go (if that makes sense!).

Chapter Text

It was the cold, riveting night of '07, and three cars sped down the road, screeching as they parked in front of some abandoned water site. Blasting music, they each stepped out of their car, nonchalantly yapping amongst one another while taking their drinks out and sitting at the front or hood of their vehicles.

"Is he here yet?" one of them snickered as they all shook their heads, laughing as well. The one that had made that remark was a tall blonde, half buttoned up polo while his arm slung around a shorter girl with red hair, tied into two pigtails. Who oddly enough didn't seem to fit the group when you look at her, but got along with everyone in the group. "I think you might've scared him off."

She pointed out before sighing with a slight chuckle and drank her beer.

"Man, I gotta take a massive piss." Another guy stated. Tall, lanky, spiked hair with a gap between his two front teeth he then chuckled and began walking away from the group, towards the grassy area nearby.

Nothing about this group made sense, yet they all got along well.

Soon they heard an engine roar as it sped its way down the road, nearly hitting his friend peeing as he shouted, "Fuck Duncan!" as they all laughed. He pulled up beside them, getting out as he laughed. Tall, piercing on his eyebrow and ears, piercing blue eyes. "My bad dude.. anyone got any beer?" he chuckled, fist-bumping the blonde and red dude/dudette. They both sighed before stating it was all finished at school until he stopped in front of a goth girl with black & blue hair smirking up at him.

"I have an extra one in the back. It's not cold, but you can have it, " she said as he smiled, causing a snort from the lanky friend as he came back from doing his business. Yeah, all you gotta do is sit up, beg, roll over, and shake that booty—" he laughed, causing her to roll her eyes at their friend. "Shut up, Mal," she said his name with disdain in her tone.

Mal just laughs hard before dabbing up their friend that had just come, "Took you long enough. Dude, are you sure he's gonna even show up?"

"This is gonna be great" The blonde laughed drunkingly before getting slapped on the chest by the redhead. "This seems pretty mean.. I don't know guys-"

"Zoey, don't you trust me" Duncan laughed before also putting his arm around her. She rolled her eyes and shrugged them off before walking back into the car, slamming the door in the process of all that. "What's her deal?"

"She thinks it kinda messed up to do this so she wants out, but I'm her ride so-" Mal snickered before going back to the car, going up to her window to check up on her. Duncan shrugs as he nods at the goth girls' offer. "Gimme."

"You know you guys are kinda mean like animals, just because he's new-"

"Shut up Zoey!" Mal shouts as he glares down at her, not wanting her to expose their plan. "You were listening to this crap the whole time, not saying anything. Now you wanna act all-"

Duncan and the others roll their eyes as their other friend, now speaking as she crushed her cigarette. She was tall, asianwith piercing dark eyes and sighed, "well if he doesn't show up, I wanna go back to the dance."

"I have an idea, why don't you go back to the dance by yourself." their other friend retorted. He was tan, good-looking, hispanic, and dashing. She rolled her eyes and flipped him off before pulling out another cigarette. "Fuck off Al"

Before he got the chance to take one swing at it, a car soon pulls between the two. They all smirked, knowing who it isand what time it was.

"First off I don't dance" Duncan stated plainly before faking a smile as he approached their "new friend" pulling up. He was dorky looking, red hair with geeky glasses. "Sorry I'm late I-"

"Nah you're all good, come on.. let's show you where the gold is" Duncan smirked as he slung his arm around the red head's shoulder, practically dragging him along as they all followed. Soon making their way to a tall platform above the waters, the two of them climbing up as the rest of the group watched down below.

"Are you sure this is safe?" The red head muttered as he kept climbing, once reaching the top he could feel his breath clogging at the back of his throat. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, not noticing the mischievous smirk lingering on Duncans' lips. "Trust me, I've done this once before too before I became their friend, it wasn't that bad."

Soon the two of them began stripping their clothes off as they both stood in just their boxers. Their friends down below watched as they knew what was about to happen, but pretended as if they had no clue. Encoring the red head to go for it, they cheered him on.

"Come on Harold, if you go down, Gwennie here will give you a little kiss!" The blonde shouted, getting a gut punch from the goth right after. "Fuck you, Geoff." She hissed at him, he just laughs as a result.

Duncan couldn't help a soft snicker escape his mouth as he saw the red head gulp, cheeks turning pink as he hesitated.

"Don't worry, on a count of three ok...?" Duncan pat his back as he stood next to him on the edge of the plank, planning on jumping with him. Harold gulped as he felt his throat dry up, but nodded nervously, not looking down below and gawking at how high they were.

"1.."

"2.." Harold nodded more confidently as he watched Duncan also leaning forward, ready to jump.

"3!-" Duncan and the others couldn't help but laugh out loud as Harold jumped in on his own. Tears coming out of Duncans' eyes as he couldn't believe their plan had worked, laughing evilly until hearing the sound of Harold slamming hard into the water. Zoey screamed as she noticed he wasn't facing up, just laying there, head down under water as they all soon died down of laughter and took in the situation. Soon, they all screamed.

"Duncan go check on him!" Gwen shouted as Duncan looked down, eyes wide. He hadn't expected the guy to not face up, thinking he was ok until he wasn't. He rushed down and off the plank before jumping into the water, swimming to Harold and grabbing onto him. "Shit."

"There's a fucking pipe down here I think he hit it!" Duncan spat as he tried swimming with the heavy weight of bothhimself and Harold, ignoring the constant shouting from his friends demanding him to hurry up and bring the boy back.

Was it really because they cared about the red head's well-being, or was it really just because they didn't wanna get their hands dirty.

Suddenly he reaches near his friends as they try and reach out to grab the knocked out boy, bit too far but their all too panicked as they hear a guard from across aim a light at them, demanding them to freeze, "Who's there? You can't be trespassing!"

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

They all thought before Alejandro pulling Heather with him to their car, shouting, "Leave him, Duncan, we need to go now!"

Soon one by one they all ran as Zoey tried to help grab the two from the water, pulling away as they heard the sound of a police siren far away approaching. "I'm sorry!" Was all she could cry out before Mal soon dragged her away, yelling at Duncan to come on and just leave Harold, who was still breathing, thankfully, but still knocked out, aside.

Duncan cursed out loud before muttering, "Fuck.. sorry.." as he got up, grabbed his clothes and dashed out. Leaving the knocked out boy on the ground and ran. Watching all his friends leaving in their cars, he quickly went into his. Reversing and pulled out, but was too late as cop cars soon drove after his, as he was the last to leave. He tried swerving and speeding off, only to then crash into a jugged-up wall, crashing his car at the same time.

With nowhere to go, and his leg feeling broken up, a bright light was soon flashed at his face as he heard a stern and demanding voice- "Hands on the wheel!"

For fucks sake, he thought as he did as told, knowing the consequences he was about to face as he was then dragged out of the car after.

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

Hello! First story after almost 10-year hiatus [ToT]. I know this probably sucked and way different than my previous books. Please let me know your thoughts down below!

Chapter Text

The next morning rolled along as Duncan was just surprisingly given a warning for the night previously and was taken home.

sure wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

He made his way slowly down to the kitchen, a small bandage on the middle of his forehead while limping due to the pain in his leg from the previous night. Sitting at the table, his mother looked up at him and sighed disappointingly before getting up to wash her dishes as Duncan sat in her seat.

"You know ma...uh, my leg really hurts today. I don't think I could go to anyplace" He mumbled, looking down at the table before looking up at her as she turned off the sink and proceeded to turn and look back at him. Wiping her hands with a dry rag, placing it down with another sigh escaping her lips.

"Maybe I should call your father."

The fuck

"No, " he said in a stern tone, looking away from her now. OK? I'm not talking to him; there's just no way." He secretly clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. Just the thought of his father made his throat feel clogged and his head rage. She sighed once more, crossing her arms and trying to read into his response.

"This has to stop between you and him. You can't do that; you need a father. " Her voice trailed softly into a whisper at the last part, and he slowly released his grip. Looking away from her, he did not want to have another one of these conversations once again about him. 

Time goes by as he begrudgingly gets ready knowing where they are going to next. He did not want to go, but for the sake of his mom, he loved her too much to ever tell her no-  besides anything to do with him. 

"Let us be thankful today..That a young life was saved by our lord. And for the live of the others involved, who are clearly not on the path of righteousness." The pastor stated sternly, visibly eyeing out Gwen and Duncan in the crowd. The young girl shifts in her seat uncomfortable, looking at Duncan as he just looked away from the priest as his mother nudged him to focus. He simply just rubs the back of his neck as the music of the lord starts playing. A choir of church kids stand as they wear their white clothed uniform, books in hand smiling before opening up to sing.

Let the light, from the lighthouse, let it shine on me! Gwen subtly rolls her eyes, while Duncan's mom lightly pinches his side to behave. He shifts uncomfortably before begrudgingly sitting back up and watching the choir teens sing.

I wonder, I wonder, if the light, from the lighthouse, would shine, would shine. Would shine on me!!

Duncan couldn't help but pick out one girl in particular he's known since childhood. Priests' daughter, Courtney. Her short brown hair, light brown eyes, and brown skin shone with her white uniform on. He noticed her locking eyes with him for a brief moment and raised an eyebrow at her. Tilting his head to the side in amusement before sitting back straight and looking away as they kept singing. His eyes lazily looked to the side brief moment before hearing just a single voice

Here is my thought, this is my plea!
Lord let your holy light, shine on me.
I wonder will you, hear my prayer?
I know I'm not worthy, but i need your help!

Her voice sounded sweet and innocent. He looked back up and saw her singing happily. She had A genuine smile as she sang while looking throughout the crowd at everyone. He felt enticed for a brief moment, just watching her as she continued, yet each time they made just a single second eye contact, he looked away as if he wasn't just watching her.

Lord shine your light, shine it this way! Shine it so I can see which way to take. Gwen turned her head slightly from the opposite side of the church to look at Duncan, before looking up at her quite unamused.

My faith is in you, to bring me through,
I have one question!!

Soon her solo was over and they all sang the rest of the song together, 

I wonder, I wonder, if the light, from the lighthouse, would shine on me!!

The sound of light applause rang out as she smiled at the crowd, Courtney trying hard to not stare back at the icy-blue eyes she could feel targeting right at her. Soon the ceremony had ended and was time to leave. His mother rushed him to gather his things before Gwen could even think of approaching them before she knew it- they were gone. She just looked back up again at the perky church girl on stage gathering her items, while her father spoke to her in silence. Gwen ignores it and grabs her things as she walks out to her parents, who have just left her. Wondering what was going on with him, and why was he just watching Ms. Church Girl so hard.

<Time Jump: Next Morning>

It was bright and early, which meant two things. 1. It's a school day, why does it have to be so early? 2. Duncan knew he was gonna be yelled at most likely by their principal when he sees him.

His mother had dropped him off at school that day as he had to use crutches for the next few weeks, due to the injury on his leg from the previous two nights ago. Soon meeting up with the rest of his friends, dabbing them up and watching as some of the hot chicks would walk by smirking at him or throwing flirtatious winks at them.

"So how's the leg man?" Geoff asked as he slung his bag over one of his shoulders. Duncan just shrugs, nonchalantly saying, "not bad, but not good either. Its' alright man."

"I can't believe you were in jail.." Zoey mumbled as she fixed her hair. Geoff nods at his response before asking another question, "So what did you tell them?

"I just said it was a nice night out for a drive. Ended up hangin' out around the area. Found Harold, you know, tried to give him some help. Got a little spooked and I figured, I ought to leave before they thought I had anything to do with it and I split."

Geoff chuckled before fist-bumping the punk, "Gotta hand it to you, man. You're like Jedi master of bullshit, man"

They both laughed before doing their signature handshake. Heather couldn't help but snicker as she looked straight ahead as well as the others, "Damn, that Courtney sure knows style." she retorts.

"Yeah I wore something like that in the fourth grade.." Gwen sighed as she too watched the innocent girl walk up, wearing the same cardigan she always used. Buttoned up, light blue top and flown bottoms. She was getting closer to them, yet wasn't paying any attention to them as she kept walking.

"Nice sweater.." Gwen said with a slight altered smile as Courtney paused next to them, giving her a small smile. "Thank you." She mutters back before throwing Gwen a smile right back and proceeds to walk past them, up the steps into the building.

"Thank you" Mal mimicked as they all laughed, talking about how cheesy and corny she looked, wondering how she didn't notice the subtle fake there was to Gwen's compliment. Soon the bell rang and they all groaned and started walking up the steps as well, except for one.

Duncan.

He had planned to just "walk" out, obviously didn't go out as subtle. Not with those crutches, before hearing a familiar stern voice call out to him from the top of the steps. "Mr Duncan, my office. Now."

fuck.

He mumbled some incoherent curse words under his breath before turning around and slowly walking up the steps while the principal watched, just to make sure the delinquent wouldn't try taking off.

Soon they were both in his office. Duncan couldn't help but fidget with his keys, swinging it around his fingers as he slouched back on one of the seats. The sound of glass clicking against each other soon caught his attention as he looked up, noticed the principal had brought up 4 glasses of beer.

"A student claims that you were drinking on school property on a Saturday night." The principal flat out stated as he too sat back against his seat. Duncan couldn't help but made a sound of a "tsk" spilling out of his mouth. "Lucky for you, Harold isn't talking. The owners of that abandoned area aren't pressing trespassing charges... at least not today."

Duncan couldn't help but feel the slight bitterness targeted towards him at that last part. "I told 'em I'd arrange appropriate punishment."

"And what, are you gonna expel me?" Duncan asked, slight sassy tone in his voice as the principal couldn't help and chucked. "not yet."

"With all your damages I've decided you'll help our janitorial staff after school"

"for pay?" The principal, Mr. Mclane, snorted as he continued to read from their agreement. "On Saturdays, you'll participate in tutoring our disadvantaged students at our sister school."

Duncan groaned, "And finally, you'll be participating in the drama club's final event."

His eyes widen, one eyebrow slightly more raised than the other. "the spring play? I don't-"

"Don't blow it, Duncan." The principal looked back at him with all seriousness plasters on his face.  The young teen couldn't help but mutter some more incoherent curse words under his breath and give a half nod. Yet little did he know..

Little did he know...

Chapter Text

Soon the end of the day reaches as the bell rang out loud throughout the school. Duncan groaned as dragged himself (with the help of the crutches) to the custodian room, knowing that he'd face bigger consequences if he had not kept his word.

The custodian couldn't help but chuckle as he handed the crippled boy a bqawThiroom and a pat on the back before walking away, telling him to start off at the cafeteria side first.

As Duncan walked through the open doors of the cafeteria, he couldn't help but mumble incoherent curse words under his breath as he realized there was a little after school fair going on. Not too much people inside, but he was hoping there'd be none at all. 

He began pushing the broom with his one available arm through the room, while the other holding on to his crutches. Eyeing down everything around him as he could hear a familiar voice ring in his ear.

"This is a very simple device made of a plastic wrap, a coat hanger, and white out.. does anyone know what this is..?" Courtney. She smiled as she held the object around to show the others that were watching, each mumbling either the wrong answer or just anything intelligible. "it's a star frame."

Courtney couldn't help but look around to see who answered, before locking eyes with Duncan, who had just answered her question. He smirked back at her before plugging his headphones back, not noticing her blank stare at him. She cleared her throat before going back answering, "this is a star frame. And it'll help you locate stars and planets with your naked eye."

Her voice trails off as he watched his three friends, Geoff, Alejandro and Djay walk in. Teasing some spots he missed on the ground while cleaning.

"Bet you can see angels up there flying' around." Alejandro states as he walked passed Courtney who just glares right back at him. "In fact, there are some things I could call miraculous."

Courtney interjected as she crossed her arms. "Einstein once said, 'The more he studied the universe, the more he believed in a higher power.' So yeah, I do think there's something more greater out there."

"well.. if there is a higher power then.. why can't he get you a new sweater?" Alejandro snickered back as they all chuckled. "He's too busy looking for your brain." She shot back while still giving him a slight smile, ignoring his last comment. Geoff and Djay couldn't help but laugh at that as Alejandro glared at them.

"Hey laugh its' a joke" Duncan chuckled at his expression as Alejandro scoffed. "Yeah. Come on, Let's just get outta here."

"Nah, man, I can't, Gotta stay." Duncan rolled his eyes as he commented, and Geoff groaned as he responded. "Come on, man. Principal McClain's gone. Let's make some moves."

"Yeah, come on" Djay pleads as Al smirks at them while taking Duncan's crutches so that he had no choice but to go with them. Djay smiled as he pat Duncan's back and walks out with them before saying, "You know the custodian works on you, kind of suits you it works."

"oh right, thanks buddy." Duncan says sarcastically but smiles at them. He turns back, locking eyes once again with Courtney who was watching the whole thing, before she looks away first, going back to her presentation. He chuckled to himself before proceeding to ditch his side job and follow them out to wherever they all planned to go to.

Soon night fell as Duncan drove Gwen home. At least his one leg was still good to drive. He pulls up in front of their house as they both sat in silence for a moment. Duncan was the first to break it. "Okay, so I'll see you at school?"

"Well, my parents aren't home if you want to come inside." She mumbled before looking at him. He sighed but chuckled softly, "Come on, Gwen. Nothing's changed."

"I know" she smiled sheepishly, trying to read his reaction before trailing off, " I just thought that.. y'know-"

"it's over." He looked back at her as he stated that, she just nodded and tried waving it off like she didn't mean it in any other way. "Yeah, whatever" She nods before getting out and slamming the door in that process, walking back into her house. He rubbed his temples before mumbling to himself, "ok..."

Soon driving off, he returns home moments after. It was just about midnight as he tried to sneakily walk into his house, hoping not to wake up his mom. Hopping into his room before collapsing on his bed with a slight groan. He stared up at the ceiling before knocking out, still in the same clothes.

---next morning--

"Duncan... Duncan.. come on. Up, up, up!" He groaned once more, rolling over to the other side while pulling his blanket over his head, trying to block out whatever was bothering him. His mother sighed before thinking, oh! She thought before clapping as loud as she could multiple times. "Goddamn"

Duncan mutters before opening his eyes, "ok-ok I'm up! It's Saturday mom, that's no school" he grumbled. She chuckles before smiling down at her sleepy boy, "Tutoring, honey."

Once forced out of bed, as he showers and changes into new clothes, his mom proceeds to make him a nice little breakfast of bacon and eggs. Smiling as he chows down on the food when he gets down. She reminds him to behave as she drives him to the school's bus stop area, where the rest of them will be meeting. She gives him a lovingly smile before driving off. He contemplates ditching again, until he notices Principal McClain at a distance watching him. Making sure that delinquent gets on.

Soon, the bus arrives, and they each get on. Duncan sat more towards the back, making sure no one sat beside him. As it drives off, 10-minutes soon felt like 30. He was about to fall asleep on there until the bus makes a stop, soon arriving to their sister school.

"alright... which of these are similar triangles." Duncan asked as the other boy sighed, rubbing the back of his neck frustratedly. 

"This one or that one, what do you think?" Duncan raised an eyebrow at the boy's reaction before the younger kid slammed the table, "What I think is, this is bullshit!"

The young boy angrily got up and walked away, absolutely hating this one-on-one session he was having. Courtney couldn't help but watch the situation in front of her as she heard Duncan grumble, "makes two of us.."

After two and a half hours of trying with the short tempered boy, it was time to finish and pack up. Duncan could've sworn he was up and out of that room within 10 seconds, ready to. just be over with this. Though he knew this wouldn't be the last.

Once the bus arrived, he was the first one on. Plugging in his headphones as he stared out the window, ready for them to get going already, not noticing someone watching him from a distance.

Courtney couldn't help but be intrigued with Duncan from the previous endeavors he had with the kid he was supposed to help. She bit her lip, debating on whether or not she should ask him about it, pushing the thought to the back of her head as she gets up and makes her way to him.

Obviously, Duncan could feel her watching him the entire time as he tried to pretend not to notice and proceeds to still look out the window as his music blared into his headphones. Soon he notices a shift in his seat, and then proceeds to face her. Courtney couldn't help but give him a soft smile before saying, "Hey.. do you wanna buy some raffle tickets?"

When he doesn't respond, she continues, "it's so we can buy the sister school some new computers." she was met by a bland response from Duncan as he responds, "No."

She just blankly stares at him for a moment before adjusting in her seat, clearing her throat. "So I saw you in there with Max.. and I know it can be very difficult. But maybe you should try backing into it from somewhere else."

He just tries to ignore her, looking away, letting his music play. She frowns when she noticed before asking softly, "Are you gonna visit Harold?"

Still no response.

"I heard they moved him from the hospital down to the rehab center down the-"

"Is this your idea of small talk or something? Because if it is, your social skills need some work." Duncan asked slightly annoyed as he pulled off one side of his headphones, glaring slightly at her. Her eyes widened as she leaned back a bit and sighed. He looks at her still slightly annoyed before mumbling, "No one forced him to jump"

"it's called peer pressure." Courtney interjected as he soon retaliated, "And how do you know about that? You read about that in your precious book?" He glares down at the mini bible in her hands.

"Please, don't pretend like you know me. Ok?" Courtney snaps back as Duncan laughs, looking away in disbelief. "I do."

He couldn't help but look at her, still annoyed but raised an eyebrow as he stated, "We've had all or mostly the same classes & same school since kindergarten. Well, you're Courtney Satella. You sit in the back corner second to the right table, which isn't exactly the reject table, but definitely in self-exile territory. You only have one sweater you constantly wear, and you always either looks down at your feet when you walk or straight ahead when you've got somewhere to be.. Oh and yeah for fun, you like to tutor on the weekends and hang out with the cool kids from your Stars and the Planets or drama club. Now how's that sound?"

Courtney couldn't help but raise both eyebrows in amusement. How did he remember all that? She thought but nods, "fairly predictable, but nothing I haven't heard before."

"You don't care about what people think about you?" He asked raising an eyebrow as she shrugged and gave him a small smile, "No."

She then proceeded to get up and go back to her original seat as he watched her, sighing as he placed both headphones back on and looked out the window once more.

She's kind of interesting then,

Nah.

He slowly closed his eyes before dozing off, wanting this day to end already.

Chapter Text

As the days went by, Duncan begrudgingly followed the same pattern despite always trying to find ways out of it. He stayed quiet, looking out the window,roat clearing his th, and not making out Geoff's incoherent thoughts as they drove.

"Bro." Geoff playful shoved Duncan's shoulder, causing him to snap out of it and snicker. "What did you say?"

Soon they pulled up back to school, Geoff just chuckled and shook his head. "I don't know what your problem is, man. Ms Blainley got some nice hooters goin on man."

Duncan made a "tsk" sound with the tip of his tongue, before grabbing his crutches from Geoff. He snickered before stating, "Bullshit, just be back in an hour, don't flake ok?"

Geoff saluted him playfully before winking. "I can't wait to see you with your stage makeup all get up. I think it's kinda cool man." Duncan scoffs before flipping him off as Geoff laughs once more as he drives off.

Duncan couldn't help but slouch his shoulders as he groaned while making his way to their theater room, Miss Blainley's voice getting louder and louder the closer he gets before entering the room.

Didn't think there were gonna be this many losers interested in the play.

He couldn't help but think as her words echoed, "This year's spring musical is a story of burning passions and blazing Tommy guns, written by our very own, Cody Emmett Jameson Anderson. With words and music by Courtney Satella." Both Courtney and Cody smile up at her as she continues, "It follows the rise & fall of Tommy "The Gun" Thorton in the prohibition era of New York. Cody, perhaps you- Oh, Mr Tarun, better late than never. Please join us."

Duncan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as he could feel their stares and murmurs to why he was there and so forth. He nodded, before making his way to an empty seat between two people. Cody couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he watched Duncan pasty him, wondering why this delinquent would be there.

"Well then-" Miss Blainley smiled as she clapped her hands together, "Let's see..."

She grabs her clipboard before reading out each roll for each person.

"Courtney will be our Alicia, a mysterious club singer... Bridgette will be playing Caroline, and... Duncan will read Tommy Thorton." She announced as Bridgette and Courtney giggled amongst each other for their roles, not noticing a wide eye Duncan sat up and laugh nervously, "W-what.. no-no, see I-i didn't plan on acting or anything-"

Miss Blainley just smiles and claps to cut him off. "Ok! Let's start reading some lines, ed everybody!"

I'd rather be tutoring again than this...

Soon they all sit in a circle as Bridgette starts off her lines

"When did you know, Tommy?" Bridgette says dramatically as she looks at him>

Duncan rolled his eyes before reading blandly while looking back at her, "Know what?"

"That we were in love?" Duncan looks back at his lines, "Love.. uh.. Baby believe me, you don't want to go falling' in love with a guy like me." he says in a monotone. He could feel all eyes watching him as he read out his line, but he couldn't help but feel a certain pair of eyes watching him passionately as to her, this was serious. Courtney.

"It's too late, Tommy. I'm crazy about you, I'm breathing it, drinking it all in... aren't you?" Duncan just stares at Bridgette for a moment, before locking eyes with Courtney. She gives him a slight smile, before motioning for him to go on.

"Uh.. yeah, I-i don't know what I'm drinking, doll dollface. But if this is love... pour me another glass?" He says the last part in a questionable tone.

"Mr Tarun, are you trying to be bad at this?" Miss Blainley asks with an eyebrow raised, cutting in between their lines. "Um.. no, it just comes naturally."

A light chuckle amongst some students escaped their lips as Courtney couldn't help but chuckle. Miss Blainley just pinches her nose bridge before sighing. "All right, everybody, let's just go to the end."

Soon the rehearsals finally finish as Duncan practically drags himself out of there as soon as he possibly can. He waits out at the front, eyebrows furrowed as he wonders where the heck Geoff is.

Dude, I told you one hour sharp-

Soon he hears the chatter among three people at a distance, walking down the front entrance of the building. "Don't even pretend like you're not gonna be great. I mean, you're so great."

He slightly turned his head to see Cody, who was once talking, give Courtney a thumbs up before waving farewell as Bridgette did the same thing back to her.

"Trust me, Court. If anything, this role is perfect for you and you know it." The blonde tells her as she squeezes her friend's shoulder. Courtney couldn't help but smile as she nods. "Alright.. I'll see you tomorrow, Bridge."

They both wave farewell as he watches the blondie run off to her van that had pulled up in front of the school, he could hear Bridge's mom ask Courtney for a ride- to which the other responds with a polite decline as she drives herself. Soon, the van pulled away as Duncan sighed more annoyed, looking at the time.

Man, what the fuck, Geoff.

He's too deep in his annoyance, not noticing her approaching him from behind.

"So.. would it kill you to try?" He jumps slightly at the soft voice and tries to ignore her at first, before giving in. "Yup, and I'm too young to die."

She rolls her eyes at his response before saying, "Okay, so you don't care about classes or graduating, but you like school because you're popular and you'll never be on top again."

He snickered, knowing what she was doing before turning a bit to face her. "That's thoroughly predictable."

She couldn't help but hide a smirk across her face as she held her books closer to her chest. Turning to walk away from him, but not before stating, "Your act only works on an audience."

He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as he watched her walk away before shaking his head. He glances down at the time once more, before sucking the inside of his cheek annoyed. Tilting his head back, he groans before debating with himself. He watched her walk to her car, opening it as she stepped in before muttering some incoherent words to himself.

As she started her engine, she was about to go on her merry way before looking up and noticing Duncan was suddenly in front of her vehicle. He sighed, before making his way to her window as she cranked it down. He put on a seemingly fake, but half genuine smile as he cleared his throat, "You feeling' Christian?"

She rolled her eyes before unlocking the door, knowing what he meant as she saw he was practically the last one still there. She cocks her head to the side, signaling for him to hop in as he winked at her and moves quickly to the other side. As he hops in, she stares at him as he taps her dashboard, signaling to start moving. "Seatbelt?"

He stares back at her dumbfounded for a moment before rolling his eyes and grabbing it to buckle in. She smiles in triumphal before starting her car and soon driving off. As they drive off, she proceeds to turn on the radio to her holy gospel music. Humming happily, not noticing the strange look from Duncan.

He clicks his tongue before changing the station to metal, ignoring the intense side eye Courtney was for sure giving him. She clears her throat before switching back to the previous channel, playing her music out loud once more as she sighs contently. However, not for too long as soon he does it again- changing the station. Soon turning a back and forth thing a dozen times before groaning as well, "I forfeit."

Duncan smiles, eyes wide to tease her. "Courtney Satella, forfeiting against me?"

She rolls her eyes before glaring slightly at a smirk spreading across his lips. He winks before saying, "Thank you" She lets him play, but still lowers the volume to not be too much.

"42.." she sighs, eyes still on the road but a smile across her face, meanwhile he stares back at her confused. "42. What do you mean, 42?"

"42... befriend somebody you don't like." She states, eyes still glued forward, yet a small smile spreads across her lips before looking at him for a brief moment as he chuckled.

"It's a to-do list I have... except for my life." she states, a full smile showing as he nods in amusement but a hint of confusion. "so, like getting a new personality?"

She shakes her head in response before tapping her chin, "mm, spend a year in the Peace Corps, make a medical discovery that's ambitious. Be in 2 places at once, get a tattoo..."

Duncan couldn't help but examine her. Eyes still glued onto the road as he eyes her up and down, soon crossing his arms in front of his chest, curiously asking. "ok, so what's number one?"

It was her turn to chuckle as she looked back at him once again for a brief moment before saying, "I'd tell you but.. then I'd have to kill you."

He snorts in disbelief before chuckling at her smile. Surprisingly it was a decent moment amongst each other before Duncan noticed them passing a familiar diner and ducks down. Courtney couldn't help but sneak a peek at what made him react that way until she saw them.

Geoff was still in his car as Heather, Al, Mal spoke to him from the outside. Neither of them noticed Ms Church girl or him in her car.

Soon approaching his house, she parks gently in front and asks if he needs help getting out. He waves her off but thanks her silently.

"Hey Duncan" she calls out not too loud as he turns back around, leaning down so he was the view through her window. "Please just give it a chance... it really... means a lot to me, and I'd really appreciate if we got off on the right foot."

So what if it matters to yo-

"fine." he sighed, she smiled bigger and handed him the book that he had purposefully forgotten back in the theater room. He couldn't help but chuckle as he took it and stared at her once again briefly. "Hey Courtney"

She hums in response as he felt awkward once again and rubs the back of his neck, "nevermind, I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks again."

She tilts her head to the side, slightly confused but nods and smiles once again. "Bye Duncan"

He watches as she drives off, then looks down at the script in his hand. Groaning, he tilts his head back to look at the sky.

"It really...means a lot to me..." it's just a school play, baby-

baby?

Duncan shakes away his thoughts, but one realization soon hits as he rushes back into his house, into his room, and pulls out his phone. Staring daggers into them as he sent out a text to a particular blonde.

'Dude I'm gonna kill you next time I see you.'
______________

Chapter Text

"Dude, cmon. I said I was sorry, AND I've been coming over to help you rehearse the lines," Geoff whines and begs as Duncan shoots him a glare from the balcony. They were both at his place as his blonde friend decided to help him rehearse as a means to pay back for ditching him. Duncan couldn't help but roll his eyes at his friends' pleading eyes. "Fine.. but ditch me like that again, the only pleading you'll be doing is to beg my fists from not contacting your face."

"Plus, you know I really will support you right, man" Geoff smiles as he places his hand on Duncan's shoulder, "I'm gonna be there opening night, front row and you can count on it."

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle and let out a small smile as they did their handshake. "Thanks, man."

"Oh Duncan! Good, you and Geoff are here, can you boys help me with these groceries!" His mom pipes out. The two boys nod as they go off and help her out, "Yes ma'am."

"It's nice. to see you over again dear, why don't you stay over for dinner one day!" His mother smiles at Geoff as he too grins, "Sure Ms. T, maybe next time though. Unfortunately, my dad's forcing me to join him at one of his work dinners, so I can't tonight."

She waves him off and chuckles softly, "No problem dear-" she looks at her watch before they all drop their groceries inside. "oh, you two should go, don't wanna be late for school now."

They nodded as Duncan kissed his mom's cheek, waving goodbye as Geoff also waved farewell before going out with their bags.

--TIME SKIP: SCHOOL--

Duncan opened the janitorial door before looking around, making sure his friends weren't around before spotting the one person he was looking for.

Bingo.

He sheepishly approached her, still looking around before clearing his throat. "Hey Princess"

She turns to see who had said her name before letting out a soft snicker, "What do you want, Duncan? Please don't call me that, and you usually don't come up to me unless it's to bother me, make fun, or ask for something. So which is it now?"

He stares dumbfounded at her before letting out an awkward chuckle and rubbing the back of his neck, "Can't a guy walk up and say hello without needing anything... I see you've retired the every-use sweater."

She snickered a bit louder and closed her locker before facing him, shooting up a small glare. "She is being dry cleaned right now, what do you want?"

He couldn't help but eye her up and down at her new look. A gray t-shirt with white sleeves rolled up and she wore green capri pants.. not bad, but at least a switch. She rolls her eyes before waving a hand over his face, "hello?"

He snaps out of it before mumbling softly, "I need help with my lines..." She raised one eyebrow in both confusion and disbelief, "What'd you say?"

Duncan groans before repeating once more a bit louder, "I need help with my lines."

She leans back against the lockers in amusement before chucking, "Duncan, asking me for help. You-" She couldn't help but laugh as he felt his face low-key heat up, but tried playing it off. "Yeah"

She nods before thinking about it, standing up straight and looking up at him as she smiles. "okay.. I'll pray for you."

Courtney begins to walk off before Duncan furrows his eyebrows together and follows her, "No Courtney look, you really-"

"You've never asked anybody for help before, right?" Courtney asked as she looked at him, but kept walking. He, unsure of what to say next just shrugs as she continues. "A request like yours requires.. flattery and groveling. It can't be all about you, it has to be for everyone or something else-"

"It is for everyone. Okay, Cody deserves the best-"

"And since when did you believe he did?" Courtney interrupts as she pauses walking to face him, eyebrow raised in suspicion as she examines his face for any other hidden meaning. Duncan just sighed, "Please."

Once she sees no other meaning behind his expression and sees the truth behind it, she sighs and relaxes her shoulders. "Fine.. but under one condition, delinquent."

He chuckles and shrugs, "What's that?"

"You have to promise not to fall in love with me"

fall in love with her? Yeah right.

He smirked but laughed at her compromise before sticking out a hand for her to shake, "That's not a problem." She smiles before taking his hand and shakes it as well. "Okay.. so I guess I'll see you later on after school.. or well after your.. duties."

He nods before watching her walk off, wondering why she would even say such a thing. Getting back to his janitorial jail duties, he couldn't help but keep thinking to himself why she would or why it was even replaying in his head.

As Courtney drove home, she greeted her dad before biting her inner cheek as she started making herself some tea.

"Dad, Duncan is gonna come over so that we can rehearse lines together for the play." Her back was to him in the kitchen, but she could still feel his tense gaze as he put down his book from his seat and took off his glasses. "Duncan Tarun? That Duncan? Coming here?.. That boy-"

Mr. Satella shakes his head as he sips the tea Courtney had just brought over to him, "That boy, he's dangerous, he's careless. He's the worst kind of bully."

"But Daddy, what about forgiveness? You know.." She trails off, adding some sugar and honey to her tea. "I-I thought we had discussed that I was gonna be able to decide how I wanted to spend my time & my life."

She turned to face him as he sighed and got up, standing in front of her as he placed both hands on her shoulders and rubbed them. "I know but.. it's him I don't trust, not you." She gives him a soft smile before reassuring him once more that nothing will happen.

An hour goes by as she sits on her piano, playing some music before being interrupted by the doorbell ringing. She dusts herself off before getting up and answering the door. Duncan gives off an awkward smile as she returns the same back. He clears his throat before saying, "Uh, hey.."

"Hi, Duncan" They both just stare at each other awkwardly before he fiddles with his fingers, "So.. you gonna keep me out here all afternoon or what?"

She rolls her eyes but chuckles before stepping aside, "Come on in."

It was a nice comfy house, Duncan thought as he stepped in, looking around a bit at the multiple Jesus statues/church items around the house.

"My script is in my room, so I'll be right down" She stated before going up as he nodded. Still looking around, he couldn't help but notice a picture of the girl when she was younger with- who looked like to be her mom and dad. She was sitting between the two, small goofy smile as she held up a little trophy in her hand. He couldn't help but smile at that as he kept walking around seeing multiple pictures of her when she was younger, or with one or both parents. But his eyes trailed at one small Jesus statue, except it was just his head. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he mumbled, "Wow that is one scary old-"

He turns to look away but jumps when he sees the older man, "-Jesus"

"No, Courtney's father." Mr Satella corrects as he stands up straight, crossing his arms. "Well Mr Tarun, I understand you've managed to win the lead in the school play... congratulations."

Duncan couldn't help but also feel the piercing stare of her fathers' gaze as he tried to chuckle awkwardly, "Listen, uh, thanks for letting' me come over and run lines with Courtney."

"I didn't  let you." Her father corrects him as Duncan rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, "oh-"

"It's a school night.. let's get one thing straight, Mr Duncan, you think that on Sundays I don't see you from where I stand...-" Duncan couldn't help but look around nervously as the older man approached him, still continuing his rant. "-But I see you... I'll be in my office. Just here."

The office was just a few feet away from the living room, the door wide open as he pointed to where he'd be. Soon, footsteps were heard coming down the steps as Duncan finally let out a deep breath as if he couldn't breathe. Courtney appeared from upstairs with the book in her hand. "Ready?"

Duncan nods before clearing his throat as he follows her to the back, trying his best to rehearse the lines, but he can't help but constantly feel the gaze of Mr Satella from behind him even hours later.

"Is he always like this.." Duncan mumbles to the girl as she tilts her head in confusion, before realizing who he is talking about. "No... but I mean.. it is you so."

He groaned as she chuckled softly and waved him off, "Don't worry about it, that's just how he is."

"He hates me," Duncan stated flatly as she shrugged, "I mean, since when did you care?" He shakes his head, "I mean, I don't.. but it feels weird just having him this close throwing daggers at me."

She couldn't help but laugh as he made a small smile, watching her.

"You have a nice laugh." His eyes widen as he realizes what he had said before she too stops laughing, turning around so he wouldn't see her cheeks burn up. "U-um, anyways... I think it's getting late now.."

He looks at his phone before realizing the time and nods, grabbing his book as he gets up from his seat and nods. "uh.. thanks again Court... I'll see you tomorrow?"

Courtney- once feeling her cheeks back to normal, turns around to face him with a soft smile as she nods. "Tomorrow."

---

Soon the next day hits as they are all back in school, Duncan no longer needing his crutches as he was warned just not to do anything stupid by the doctor and his mom. He begins to walk out of his car and approaches his friends at their usual spot.

"Yo! Where you've been?" Mal called out as Duncan approached them, dabbing him before responding with "Nowhere."

Mal soon slings his arm around Duncan's shoulder as he asks him, "Dunc.. we cool?"

Duncan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sudden question before snickering, "Yeah, sure"

As the bell rings, the two soon walk off to class before doing their usual routine.

--TIME SKIP; ANYTHING SCHOOL-RELATED WILL PROBABLY BE SHORT--

It was soon night out as Duncan decided to have a little drive. After hanging out with his friends like usual, and having a little awkward conversation with Gwen again about the past, he just needed something to clear his head.

Blasting his rock music down the road, he slowed down a bit as he noticed a familiar person walking down near the cemetery. What's she doing?

"What the hell?" He mumbles before parking his car off to the side and getting off. He couldn't help but feel curious as to why she was going out there alone ... and at night. Soon following after her as he stalked from behind. "Hey!"

Courtney jumps back in surprise and turns around flashing her light at him as he squints at the brightness, had raised to shield his eyes. They both stared at each other in silence before he was the first to break, "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same question" She fires back before facing her flashlight away from him, arms crossed. He snickered as he asked, "Do you normally walk by yourself in a cemetery at night?"

"Maybe." She answered smugly before turning around and continues walking, leaving him dumbfounded as he shouts, "Where you goin'?"

"Come and see" she flashes her light back at him as he squints at not only the light, but her mysterious response. He clicks his tongue before following her as she continues her trail into and through the cemetery. Soon hitting her spot as he watches her assemble something.

"Ok.. What is that?" She smiles as she gestures her object, "This is my telescope. I built it when I was 12." He gave her an amused look as she smiles and motions it again, "Take a look"

Out of curiosity, he obliges and leans down to look into the telescope, seeing all the stars in the night sky shining bright. "Hm.. Saturn. Very Cool."

She sighs out of satisfaction as she looked up as well, "Yeah.. I plan on building a larger one so I can look for any comments that might come."

"Ah, nature's miracles" he teases as she gives him a flat look. "I get it"

"Get what?" She mumbles a bit annoyed at his teasing response before he shrugs, "That you're into all this stuff."

"This..stuff? I mean I have my faiths and beliefs... don't you?" She asked, quite confused by his response as he shook his head. "No. I mean, there's too much bad shit in this world-"

"Without suffering, there'd be no compassion" She cuts him off, arms crossed again as he lets out a soft chuckle. "Yeah, well, tell that to those who suffer." She sighs in annoyance and shakes her head.

"Is that all you really came here to say?" She asks as he sighs and look around, trying to find something to cut off the tension between them. "Do you  always come this late.. and alone?"

She shrugs and sits on the blanket that she has brought and smiles at the sky. "It is peaceful... sitting out alone, in the dark. No one to hark and bother you... just the sky and peace."

He couldn't help but watch as she sighed happily while looking up, he walked next to her- soon blocking her view as she looked up at him. Tilting her head in confusion before motioning him to move, "Why?"

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle at her naivety to be alone like this at night before shrugging, "Nothing... wouldn't your dad be concerned you're here at night right now?"

She shakes her head and sits up, fixing her hair as she continues to look back at him. "He knows I'm here... you should go though, it is getting late. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Duncan still couldn't help but examine her in quite amusement as she tried to shoo him away from interrupting her alone time. To which he just chuckles and nods, "Yeah, tomorrow."

They both soon bid farewell as she stayed in her spot for just another hour before packing up and going home. Not noticing that he had secretly stayed back in his car and watched her the whole time, just to be safe. Just in case.

Chapter Text

"No dude I'm like totally serious, she says she goes here! She was like a total babe!" Geoff whines to his group of friends as they all meet up at the halls. Duncan and Djay snicker as Al and Zoey laugh at their blonde friends' desperate pleas, while Heather just scoffs and rolls her eyes before stating, "How do we even know if your mystery girl is even real, for all we know you were probably high or something."

Geoff groans as he rubs his face in frustration. "Nah dude, like, usually at my dads' work shenanigans it's usually just lame, boring meetings and stuff. But this time they brought their daughter since she's like nearly my age and boom! A goddess with blonde hair and beautiful eyes-"

"Well if it isn't the Virgin Mary." Heather cuts him off with a snicker as she notices Courtney approaching them. As they all looked at her Al couldn't help but chuckle as he nudged Duncan, whispering to him, "Here comes your leading lady."

Courtney just smiles as she walks up in front of them, mainly eyeing Duncan as he shoves his hands into his pockets still trying to play cool. "Hey Duncan, so I'll see you after school?"

Duncan could feel their confused yet amused reactions towards him as he shifted awkwardly up against the lockers and shrugged, acting like he didn't know what she was talking about. A smirk spreading across his lips as he winks at her before responding, "in your dreams."

The rest of his friends snicker and chuckle, with a hint of day mumbling, "Ouch." Courtney couldn't help but glare at him at first, before giving a fake innocent smile as she approached him closer. He gives a fake innocent smile before soon scowling as a sharp pang hits him between the legs. Courtney had kicked him right where the sun don't shine as they all gasped, Heather laughing at that as she wouldn't admit, she respected that response. 

Courtney just steps back as Gwen mumbles, "Not so holy, Mary of you to do." while attendingcan halfway down the lockers as he tries to wave Gwen off. Courtney couldn't help but glare back at the goth before sighing and walking to a pained Dun away from the group.

Though the rest of the school day, he couldn't help but notice the cold shoulder the brunette was suddenly giving him throughout each class they had together.

It is kind of your own fault.

<time skip>

After his janitorial duties, Duncan soon pulls up in front of her house as he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"in your dreams."

He face palmed himself remembering the response he had given her around his friends, trying to act cool and mischevious. He sighed softly before furrowing his eyebrows together as he pulls himself together and gets out of the car, walking up the front steps to her home. Chewing on his bottom lip nervously, why am I even nervous?, he thought before ringing the door bell once.

No answer. But he could clearly make out the sounds of piano playing from inside. He rings once then twice more, growing quite impatient before the door opens. Courtney smiles before it slowly drops as she glares at the delinquent in front of her door.

They both just stare at each other as he had his hands shoved in his pocket. He shifts uncomfortably before licking his slips as he opens his mouth to say something, "I-"

The door closes. She noticed him about to speak, and before anything, she closes it on his face. Not wanting to hear any bull that he had to say. Duncan couldn't help but ruffle his hair as he groans and places both hands on both sides of the door frame, "Come on, Court. Open the door. Please."

He proceeds to knock before the door abruptly opens as he steps back at Courtney who storms a few steps out in front of him, "What do you want?"

"You're not in a good mood." Duncan mumbles as she scoffs, arms crossed as she stared at him in bewilderment. She chuckles sarcastically before responding, "You really don't miss a thing."

"Listen, Court-"

"Courtney." She corrected as she raised one eyebrow wondering, when did he get so comfortable with the short cuts. "Courtney, I was hoping'... we could run lines together."

Courtney couldn't help but drop her arms to her sides as she stared at him blankly. Duncan just rubs the back of his neck, waiting for a response. She just nods slowly before sarcastically responding, "Okay, but just not so anybody knows, right?"

He just claps his hands before clearing his throat and smiling, "Well, I just figured we could surprise everyone with how good I get."

She continues to entertain him as she flashes a fake smile and nods in agreement, "Like we could be secret friends?" Duncan smiles as he throws her two thumbs up.

"Exactly! Exactly, it's like you're reading my mind." Duncan chuckles as Courtney laughs and nods, "Great! Um, maybe you could read mine."

Her smile drops as she just glares at him, wanting to kick him again but instead just glares. Duncan's smile soon drops as well as he stares at her dumbfounded. Trying to read her expression, he soon realizes she was never really okay. Courtney just sighed in annoyance before turning around and slamming the door in his face, leaving the boy standing awkwardly by himself outside her front porch. "Court- Courtney, I can't just be your friend-"

She re-opens her door and sighs, "Duncan, look I.. I thought I saw something in you.."

He smirks as she rolls her eyes, "Something good, Duncan, not like that. But I was very wrong, I guess." She mumbles the last part before closing the door once more. He curses some incoherent words under his breath before storming off.

Whatever, I don't need her.

Throughout the rest of the day he tries distracting himself through any means before just going back home and trying to rehearse on his own. Obviously, to no luck, he's still shit.

--Next Day--

Another day, it's Saturday. Meaning another tutoring at that damn sister school.

Duncan sighed as he tried his actual best to help the boy he was tutoring. "Come on man, you know the answer?"

The younger one shakes his head as he fiddles with his basketball on the table, causing Duncan to rub the back of his neck and nods, "Look, I know you know."

He gets up and looks around, avoiding to look at the brunette behind him as he notices out the window, a basketball hoop. Bingo. Soon taking both the kid and him out as he takes the basketball and tells the young boy where to stand.

"Alright, it's you, me and the basket. Ok, we form the 3 corners of a triangle. Now, take a step towards the basket." The boy sighed as he follows as told and looks up at Duncan, "Now am I at the same angle to you and the basket as before?"

"Yeah." The boy sheepishly responds as Duncan raised an eyebrow, "Are you?"

The boy thought about it for a moment before nodding, "Yeah."

"So what did we just make?" Duncan asked as he watched the gears slowly turn in the boys head, "A..a similar triangle?"

Duncan clapped as he smiled, "Yes! Yes, ok, make me an isosceles."

Courtney couldn't help but peek out the window as she watched the two slowly learn and understand more. She couldn't help but make a small smile as she saw the younger boy soon responding more, also smiling back at the older male.

Soon, Duncan was ruffling the kids' hair as he felt proud. "Alright, enough of this. Let's play." As he promised, the younger boy grinned as he threw Duncan the ball, playing together they hadn't noticed Courtney watching the whole thing as she snapped out of it and walks away back to her tutoring spot and clears her throat.

Within the next few days, soon it's come time to rehearsing more in person with the play as Bridgette and Duncan had run their scenes a million times- due to the lack of him remembering his lines- while Blainley constructed them on what to do.

"No- Bridgette, don't be shy, you have to shove him like you're an upset partner and then walk away." Blainley instructed as Bridgette stared at her blankly, "But isn't that what I've been doing?"

Duncan couldn't help but snicker as he shakes his head, "No sweetheart, you're barely pushing a thing."

Both Bridgette and Courtney roll their eyes as she whispers something to her blonde friend. Duncan raises an eyebrow to them before watching as Bridgette gives Blainley a thumbs up.

"Okay, one more time people!" Blainley calls out as they rehearse once more. Without a split second to compose himself, as he looks up at the blondie, she soon shoves him with all her might, he falls over as she grins. "Like that?"

Courtney couldn't help but laugh as Blainley covered her lips with the papers to also hide a slight snicker. "Okay... Bridge, yes, but a bit softer. Just a shove, remember?" 

Duncan snickered as he glared at the two and brushed himself off before getting up.

They continue to rehearse multiple times before getting it right as soon, it was time to rehearse with Courtney.

The two looked at each other with a slight glare and tension between one another, but Blainley would say that it was the perfect amount of tension to match with their characters.

As soon days, turns into weeks of practicing and Duncan rehearsing on his own in his room or in school with the others, he tries to actually memorize it as much to his abilities could.

"You know, Duncan-" Duncan was packing his stuff as he turns and sees Cody smiling up at him, "I know the play is soon, and I know you might be quite nervous but I think you're doing great!"

He couldn't help but give the nerd a small smile, usually he'd pick on those like him, or wave him off. But something about this one nerd just felt, different. He knew how important it was to Court- Noah, that he didn't wanna let him down.

However, the more scenes he and Courtney had worked on together, the more he did notice a few things about her that he wasn't so sure if she even realized.

When she's nervous, she chews on her bottom right lip. When she's frustrated, her eyes dilate and her freckles show more. But then again, they also show more and turns her cheeks bright pink when she blushes. When she feels accomplished, or satisfied, she grins as one dimple exposes itself. When she doubts herself, she rubs in-between her finger and thumb.

Soon as well, just passing each other through the halls, though they just made quick eye contact with each other; it was a usual routine neither noticed. Duncan would slyly look back at her as she passed before, on cue, as he turned away, she looked back at him as well.

He wasn't so sure if it was the play, or spending less time with his friends, or her. But eventually, he catches himself as he parks in front of the rehab center. He debates with himself for a moment, before parking and getting out of the car to go meet with someone.

The two sat- or well, one was laid in the bed as Duncan sat on the chair beside it, both boys just staring at the TV for a moment before he was the first to break the silence. "I came to say... I'm sorry."

Harold just shrugs as he looks up at him blankly, unsure of what to say. "Well you did. You feel better?"

Duncan noticed the slight attitude coming from the ginger, but shrugs it off as he sighed. "No, I feel like shit."

"You know what. I-I actually thought I wanted to be your friend." Harold chuckled coldly as he just smiled, "And now I have no idea why. You guys were always the type to bully guys like me."

"I really did made that jump once." Duncan sighed as he looked at Harold's bland expression towards the TV. "I thought I was a bad-ass. I remember actually saying that I.. I meant to belly flop."

"Did it hurt?" That was all Harold could make out as Duncan chuckled softly, "Like hell."

Harold couldn't help but eventually give him a small smile as he chuckled at that response as well. That caused Duncan to smile back as he placed his hand on Harold's shoulder and teased, "Guess I'll see you at school soon, nerd."

"Yeah, yeah asshole." Harold snickered as Duncan clicked his tongue jokingly before leaving. Feeling quite good with himself at least he had made amends with him. But tonight was the night.

The play.

Once into costume and set was set up beautifully, the crowd comes in as doe Geoff who promised to be front row for his best bud.

"Do we really have to be here?" Heather groaned as Al nudged her and sat next to Geoff who frowns, "Uh yeah, he's our best bud!"

As if on cue, the lights dim as Gwen gets there last minute, sitting on the opposite side next to Geoff.

"Poor me a drink, Joey." Duncan says to the bartender as Bridgette soon comes out. Geoff's eyes widens as he nudges both pasty and Al, "That's her!" He says quite loudly, which ends with him getting hushed by a bunch of people in the crowd as Gwen covers his mouth.

"You promised me, Tommy!" Bridgette says in a disappointing tone while turning away, "No more of your no-goodnik schemes."

Duncan just sighs as he swirls his drink, letting her continue. "You promised me we'd go to Paris."

"I'm not gonna sit on my keister and watch all the fat cats in this town get rich, ok?" Duncan spat as Blainley mimicked his lines from behind the curtains with Cody. "Trust me.. this is a sure thing."

Bridgette scoffs as she crosses her arms, "That's it. We are through! Go ahead and run your booze, you big dope! and I hope your drown in it."

Gwen chuckles as she takes a picture of them on stage, not for making fun purposes, but just because.

Bridgette shoves past his shoulder as they rehearsed, before walking to the back, which to the audience looks like "another room." But in the theater world, it is just the backstage. However, she pauses before stepping completely out of scene as a mysterious person comes out wearing a big cloak, covering their outfit and hair.

"So.. you must be the new girl he hired." Bridgette spat as she glared at Duncan, whom was just staring at his drink as his character was told to do. She continues, eyes rolling, "The singer?.. You want some free advice about this one?"

She tilts her head in direction of Duncan before snickering, "Stay far away."

Geoff snatches Gwen's camera as he zoomed in on Bridgette and takes a picture of her solo, in awe. She smacks the back of his head before taking it back.

"He's nothing but trouble in cheap spats." She spits out before completely walking to the back, offstage. Blainley gives her a thumbs up as the play continues.

Soon Geoff was surprisingly into it as Mal had knocked out, head against Zoey's shoulder while Heather had left to "use the bathroom" followed by Al who "went to look for her."

"Look, I ain't blaming you. I ain't asking for forgiveness, either. I just did what I had to do-"

His words get cut off as he watches Courtney reveal herself from under the cloak. Her usual straight brunette hair was put in some curls, her figure shining through her silver shiny dress. She soon removes the rest of the cloak as Duncan could feel his breath hitched.

Gwen couldn't help but glare, but took a picture of that moment as she was also taking photos for the school yearbook.

"W-when you walked out of the rain and into my club..-" His eyes followed her every move as she sits beside him, her poor father watching in shock to see his babygirl 'scandalous.'

"-that wasn't just a coincidence, was it?"

"Nothing's coincidence." Courtney responds as she faces him and chuckles softly as its' what she was supposed to do. He bit his inner cheek before continuing, "Your face...you look so familiar. Like this dame I knew once, only it wasn't real, it was a dream."

"Tell me about this dream girl." Courtney responds as she leans against the table, resting her chin on the palm of her hand, eyes still locked with his as he suddenly felt nervous.

Nervous?

It was as if a cat had gotten his tongue, suddenly he can't seem to remember his lines as he watched the way the light shined down on her face.

She looks...beautiful.

"Well..well, I don't.." he kept trying to think of what the lines were before he mumbles, "remember."

Blainley and Cody's eyes widens as she grabs his arm as if she was a actually watching an intense scene, to which Cody whines and tries to push her away. Geoff, thinking this was part of the scene, bites his fingers nervously as he too wonders what the dream girl was like.

"A-all I know..-" He tries to continue, but fails as he looks at her once more and noticed that she's trying to give him a comforting smile. "-is you're beautiful..."

Courtney's smile soon fades as she too looks at him, trying to examine his expression as she too feels as if at this moment, it was just the two of them. As if nobody else was there, but she just wasn't so sure what was happening. Gwen, clutching her camera in anger as she watched while Geoff just covers his mouth in surprise.

"The song.. the song!" Blainley mouths to Duncan from behind the curtains as he snaps out of it, "Will you sing for me?"

Courtney soon as well, snaps out of it as she hears the piano play and nods. Getting up and clears her throat as she sings

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But you sing to me over and over and over again

Duncan watches her intently as Geoff and Duncan's Mom (whom he had ushered to sit next to once he noticed Heather and Al gone) looked in awe at the new expression they see on their boy's face.

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

She sits back down next to Duncan as he shifts a bit against his seat, but looks back at her.

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours I know now you're my only hope

It was as if there was something that just kept gluing his eyes to watch her every move.

I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs
I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours I pray
To be only yours I know now you're my only hope

As she was humming the last few tunes, they locked eyes again as she smiled at him. However, he too, realized that he had also come up with a new response to his actions. Once she had finished, he leaned right in and kissed her gently on the lips. 

Geoff and Duncan's mother claps out loud and stands as the curtains draw down. He soon pulls away slowly as she, too, opens her eyes slowly, eyes wide by his doing as his eyes also widen at the sudden reaction he had just pulled. 

Chapter Text

Soon the sounds of applause and the lights dimming had straighten them out  as the curtains had closed. Gwen could feel her fists slightly clench as she had watched them disappear behind the curtains. Meanwhile Courtney's father had his hand covering his mouth in disbelief, wondering if that was part of the play or not.

Duncan and Courtney still just remained staring at each other for someone to break the ice, before Blainley and the others all come out, Cody gives them both a grin and a thumbs up.

"Well, might I say Duncan, you did very well!" Blainley clapped, "despite for a moment forgetting your lines but-"

"You did great, man." Cody interrupted as Duncan gave a slight smile, he looked around and saw Courtney whispering with Bridgette on the side as the blonde had rubbed her back.

Soon everyone had began walking out as Duncan sighed and grabbed his coat, soon meeting eyes of his mother and Geoff as they both approached him.

"Oh honey, I couldn't believe it! What a transformation," His mother cooed as she gave him a hug, causing the boy to smile. Geoff pats his back as he gives two thumbs up. "That was insane, man. Maybe you should do this again." Geoff teased.

His mother nudged Geoff to quit it as she smiled and figured the boy had other things, "Don't be home too late, ok?"

Duncan and Geoff nodded as his friend started rambling, but Duncan's eyes were somewhere else. He watched Courtney and Bridgette smiling and chatting with her dad as they walked off. She was still ignoring him. He didn't notice another person approaching him, before hearing the other, clear their throat.

"You did great tonight, Duncan." He turned to see Cody standing there, smiling. Duncan chuckled as he fist bumped the shorter boy, "Look, I did my best."

"Your acting didn't suck too bad either." Cody teased as Duncan snorted. Geoff just laughed as he was soon elbowed by Duncan, beside him. They both soon bid farewell as Duncan still watched as the brunette left with her father. "Yo dude, that blonde chick.. she single?"

Duncan snickered as she saw that she had stepped away from Courtney and her father, packing her stuff as he needed a distraction. "Look, she's available now.. why don't you ask her?"

The blonde looks at where Duncan was watching as he nods and pats his back, before going after her. He watched as Bridgette looked startled to see Geoff, but soon smiling back at him. Duncan rushes out as he tries to find Courtney, but is soon interrupted by someone putting their hand on his shoulder.

"Landon. Fine performance, son." He looked up and his face deadpanned as it was his father. He could feel his fists clench as he mumbled, "What are you doing here?"

"Your mother told me about it. I thought.. why don't we get a bite after the show?" His father sheepishly asked, ignoring the sudden glare burning from his son. "I'm not hungry."

Mr. Tarun sighed as he watched his son soon walking away, before turning as he calls out- "Duncan, don't walk away.

The teen doesn't turn to face him, but scoffs as he responds, "you taught me how."

As night turns into day, Duncan slings his bag over as he walks into school. Usually, he'd meet Geoff however, the blonde was running late as he had some kind of last minute emergency to handle.

"Look who's here.." He heard someone mumble as he glared to see heather snickering to a confused Zoey. She smiled and waved at him, before Heather harshly puts her hand down. "Don't look at him."

Duncan scoffs before looking around and finally spots the person he was looking for. He makes his way over to her as she is locked in on some type of book she is reading alone. He sits down across from her as she still kept her eyes locked on the book, but she knew who it was.

"People can see." Courtney mumbled as she didn't look up at him, still looking down at her book. Duncan chuckled as he leaned back, "And that would ruin your reputation, how? What's that?"

Courtney doesn't look up from the books, instead lifts it up to face him and blocking her face. "I'm reading all the books on Mr. Hatchet's list on contemporary American authors."

That man reads?, Duncan thought as he nods. "And how many books are there?"

"100. But then there's his British list and other lists." She responds as she turns the page. Duncan nods once again before rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "So, is this on your list? to read all these books?"

She ignores his questions as she loudly sips on her juice box from the cafeteria. He sighs as he sits up, hands on the table as he faced her. "Princess, I'm trying here, ok?"

Courtney glares straight forward at the nickname as he lets out a small smile but tries to lean a bit closer. He sighed as hebe I miss spending time with you whispered, "Maybe you inspire me."

Courtney lets out a soft snort as she closes her book and looks up at him- Finally, but no reaction on her face, "Sounds like bull."

"Which part?" He asks in a quite defensive tone, she smirks before responding, "All of it."

"Well, it's not." He shoots back as she sighed, grabbing her things before responding, "Prove it."

She gets up and walks away with her bag. Leaving him to sit alone as he rubs his face quite frustratedly. He soon follows her as she walks out of the building out to the front. Going down the stairs, he follows quickly behind. "Courtney."

"Courtney!" He calls out to her again as she kept trying to ignore his calls, but soon responds, "You don't know the first thing about being someone's friend."

"What if I don't wanna be just your friend." He catches up to her as he turns her around to face him, both hands on her shoulders as she glares up at him. She snickered as she tried to push them off, "You don't know what you want."

"Neither do you!" He proclaims, grabbing both her arms as she still glared up at him.

Is this about the kiss yesterday?

"Maybe you're just too scared that someone might actually want to be with you." He tests her as she scoffs and shrugs him off. He blocked his noggins in case she tried to knee him again, but she didn't. Instead she crosses her arms, still having the same demeanor. "And why would that scare me?"

"Because then you wouldn't be able to hide behind your books. O-or your frickin' telescope... or your faith." He mumbles the last part as her eyes soon read a mixed feeling, neither he could understand before turning around and continuing to walk away. Duncan face palmed himself as he goes after her again, "No, no-"

He turns her around again to face him as they're a mere few inches away from each other. "You know the real reason why you're scared?"

She couldn't help but feel flustered by how close they were before stepping as they looked into each other's eyes as he stated, "It's 'cause you want to be with me too."

Courtney's glare slowly drops as she bit her inner cheek, but shrugging him off as she doesn't respond, but walks away from him quickly. Not wanting to see the pink form on her cheeks heat up.

Duncan still stands there as he watched her get into her vehicle, and drive off. He groans as he checks the time and decides screw it.

—Time skip to home—

Duncan grabs his stuff as he proceeds to fix his other vehicle that broke down after the incident with Harold that night. Geoff decided to join as his ramblings came in and out of Duncan's ear.

"She even gave me her number, man." Geoff sighed happily as he picked up his phone. "We've been talking all night."

Duncan couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy at his friend's luck as he put on a fake smile for him. "That's great.."

"She's great." Geoff corrected as he smiled, Duncan couldn't help but snicker at his friend's first love-sick moment. However, the blonde does sigh as he rubs the back of his neck, revealing, "You know... you got Gwen thinking that lip-locking action between you and Courtney was kind of... real."

However, the blonde could tell once Duncan hadn't responded and instead looked away, he raised an eyebrow and sat. "What's up, man? It's like your hiding something from me? From your friends-"

"I don't know, man." Duncan sighed as he puts his wrench down, "I'm just.. over it. I'm sick and tired of doing the same old bullshit all the time."

Geoff chuckles as he gets up and slings his arm over his friend's shoulder, "This girl.. she's changed you, and you don't even know it, man"

--TIME SKIP: NIGHT--

Courtney sighed as she sat on her swing chair in the balcony. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and inhaled the smell of nature as she thought a bit about his words earlier. She hated to admit it, but was slightly right.

She is scared of her own feelings.

Oh god, please give me a sign if you think I should just go for it. She prayed in her head.

Courtney took a deep breath again, eyes closed before exhaling and slowly opening her eyes.

Duncan?

Courtney couldn't help but sit up as she watched him walk up a few steps, stopping in front of her as she softly says, "you."

"Me." He lightly teased as she kicked his leg softly, causing a soft chuckle to escape his lips. She eyed out what he was hiding, before handing out a bag to her. "What is it?"

"I got you something." Duncan says as he holds it closer to her. She wraps her robe around her frame tighter as it was slightly cold, and looks at the bag. She takes it slowly, and gives him a small smile. "Thank you..."

He opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but closes it as he gives her a small smile.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow..?" He scans her face for a reaction, but was met with surprise as she gives him a genuine smile and nods, "okay.."

Duncan smiles back as he turns to leave, Courtney couldn't help but smile as she opens the bag. Two things - a pink, cute cardigan  and a burnt sienna color top.

The door opens as Mr. Satella eyed the boy, "Duncan."

"Later, reverend." He nods a farewell to the older gentleman as he leaves. Courtney's father looks at her as she doesn't notice, still smiling at the gifts as she runs her thumbs over the soft fabric.

Mr Satella sighs as he walks towards his happy girl, and watches as Duncan smiles to himself and drives off. He sits beside Courtney as she still basked in the cuteness of her gift.

"Courtney... boys like that-" he sighs as he looks at her, "-they have... expectations. You know the rules around here are not gonna change."

She nods as she looks up at him confused, "yes daddy, fine."

He nods as he sighed once more, and sipped his tea. "Now I know you might not care what I say or think, but you should care about gods opinion."

Courtney gives him a soft smile as she nods, "well I think he'd want me to be happy..."

"Dad it's just a sweater." She shows him as she chuckles softly. He examines it before she smiles and puts it back in the bag, "I'm gonna go make us dinner, okay?"

She gets up before giving him a soft kiss on the cheek and goes back indoors with her bag. Mr Satella just sighs once more as he looks up and closes his eyes.

—MEANWHILE AT DUNCAN'S—

As it was dinner time, Duncan hummed softly as he was quite happy with the exchange he had with Courtney not too long ago. He hated to admit but, he enjoys watching her smile.

The way her eyes sparkle when she's happy, the way her freckles appear more as she smiles.

Though soon, his thoughts were interrupted as his mother sighed.

"I heard your father saw you after the play... for 10 seconds." She says softly, peeling the potatoes as he looks straightforward, his smile slowly dropping as he puts down the knife from what he was previously doing. He grumbles before responding, "yeah... well sending a check over once a month isn't exactly make him a father."

Ms. Tarun just lets out a breath once more as she puts down her peeler and stares back at him. "Duncan... there are a lot of reasons-"

"He left us mom." Duncan interjects as his back still turned to her, before continuing to cut the ingredients. She sighs as she goes back to peeling, before stating softly, "you need to forgive him too..."

Duncan just ignores the last part as he continues doing what he previously did, and doesn't argue any further. Instead, he just goes back and thinking about his exchange with Courtney, and how he plans on asking her out the next day.

Chapter Text

Next day soon arrives as Gwen, Trent, Al & Geoff look at the pictures Gwen had developed from the play.

"Mocha was looking all right in that play." Al smiled as he looked at their pictures, ignoring Gwens' raised eyebrow at them. She rolls her eyes and snatches one away from him, "I don't know.. she does not look hot."

"I don't know she-" Trent was gonna finish before getting nudged in the ribs by her, "Y-yeah, I would have to say-"

Gwen gets an idea as she pauses him and grabs the pictures. "wait, wait. I have the best idea."

Geoff raises an eyebrow at them but turns his attention away as he sees a familiar blonde in the distance and waves them farewell, before catching up to her. Gwen just shrugs before making the other two follow her as they head back to the photography classroom.

Soon she gets to work as Al & Mike- who had ran into them in class, snickered. Trent on the other hand, rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably as he was unsure of this plan. Though he knew the type of friends he had/they were- he felt as if this was kind of stooping... low.

Later on, Heather was aware of the plan as she snickered and helped pass around some fliers to the students heading into the building. Alejandro was with her in the front as Trent did not want to participate in this- neither did Geoff.

As Courtney walks into the building, she had fixed her green cardigan and was thinking of what to do for the rest of the day. She hadn't noticed some of the countless stares and snickers she was receiving as she usually ignored them.

"Courtney!" She turned her head to see Gwen had been the one to callouldn't help but raise an eyebrow as, usually, her, Courtney c the two didn't interact as much. She gives her a small but fake smile as she keeps walking while Gwen catches up to her, "Hey."

"Listen, I just want you to know, no hard feelings." Gwen says as Courtney continues to walk but stares at her dumbfoundedly. She was about to open her mouth before Gwen continues, "Duncan & I are way over."

"I really don't know what you're talking about." Courtney says at a slow pace as she's entirely confused about why the goth had told her that. They keep walking as Courtney looks around, soon entering the Cafeteria with Gwen. She just waves Gwen a farewell as she tries to walk away, but that is when she notices a bunch more people than usual looking at her and either snickering, whispering, or giving her sympathetic looks.

Gwen appears again beside her, holding up a flier as she places her hand against her mouth and fake gasps, "Wow... Is that you?"

Courtney tilts her head confused before looking at the paper the other was holding. Gwen faces it towards her, as Courtneys' eyes widens in terror. It was an AI or made up picture of a half naked chick covering her boobs, but her face was in it. "Nice bod"

Courtney could feel her ears slowly ringing as she looks around at the people who were looking at the flier. Heather smirking as Alejandro and Mal snickered. Geoff looked confused as he hadn't seen the flier, but everyone else's eyes were on her. She could feel her breathing tense up as her chest tightened. 

She was starting to have a panic attack.

She watched as some people laughed at her, which sounded like echoes in her ears. Her breathing became more erratic as her eyes watered, but she was frozen. As she kept looking around at the people around her, soon she broke her own trance as she wanted to run away. She quickly turns to run off, only to clash against a familiar chest as they held her and mumbled, "Woah, woah there.."

Duncan.

"Look-" He still held her as she could see the color was draining from her face, and she was, for sure, panicking. She looked up at him, tears still forming as he rubbed her arms, "-This is about me, ok? This is not you."

She nodded as she still had her back to everyone as he tells her to stay put. She examined his face and reaction as it was a new sight to her-

He was fuming.

Duncan's fists were clenched as he walks over and snatches the flier from Gwen's hands and stops in front of the rest of them. Mal chuckled as he walked up to him, "Hey man... no wonder you been keepin' her locked up, man. I had no idea this was underneath all that."

They laugh as Duncan pressed his tongue against his cheek and nods, shoving Mal and soon himself getting shoved back by Mal in surprise.

"Mal stop it-" Zoey shouts as he turns to glare at her, "You stay out of this! This is betw-"

Before Mal can finish, he turns back and gets decked immediately by Duncan's fists. Trent goes to check on Mal, only to get shoved back by him as well. He steps back in front of Duncan and scoffs, "We're through."

"That's great." Duncan scoffed as he walked off, ignoring the surprise look from Geoff, Al, Heather and especially Gwen. When the goth tries to stop him, he just shoves her aside as he cups Courtney's face and whispers, "You okay?"

Mal continues to shout profanities at him as Duncan ignores them, Courtney nods as she wipes her tears. He grabs their stuff along with her hand and guides her out, "Let's get the hell out of here."

They stay hand in hand as she nods once more, walking out of the building not noticing Gwen following them for a brief moment before getting stopped by Zoey.

"You've done enough." Zoey mumbles as her grip slightly tightens around Gwens' wrist to stop. Surprisingly, she does as told, but still didn't understand why he had to help her.

As Duncan & Courtney reached the bottom of the last steps, he was still holding her in a comfort position as she had wrapped her arms around herself in discomfort. Duncan slowly turns her as they were now away from everyone, he felt his heart clench at her as he whispered, "Baby, Baby, I'm sorry."

Usually, Courtney would argue about these nicknames, but she was too distraught, she just nods while still looking away. Duncan sighs as he rubs her shoulders, still comforting her. "They're animals, alright? Do you want me to take you home?"

She once again nods, still breathing heavy as he nods and pats her head lightly. He slings her bag over his shoulder as he still held his arm around her comfortably and guides her to the car. "Alright, let's get you out of here.."

After a quiet long ride, the silence was there but so was comfort and for once- peace, between the two of them. He refused to let go of her hand as he continued to rub her knuckles while holding them, but Courtney didn't mind. She would actually say that it was nice... and very comforting. She couldn't help but admit how he did help her calm down, it felt good. As they reached her place, she squeezed his hand to signal they were here.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Duncan sighed as he looked at her, she just gives him a small but genuine smile and nods. "Mhm.. I'm fine. Thank you for everything..."

"Oh, you're welcome... princess." 

He just had to say it once.

Surprisingly, she just lets out a soft chuckle and smiles a bit bigger. Courtney was about to turn and get out of the car, but Duncan takes a deep breath as he stops her. "Hey-"

She hums and turns to face him, "Um.. I-I wanted to ask you something."

Courtney closes the door as she nods, letting him proceed. "Will you... go out with me, Saturday night?"

Duncan could feel himself start to slowly sweat as he asked. He tried to examine her face for a reaction, but soon he noticed her facial reaction would not be the same as her vocal response.

"I-i'm sorry.. I can't go..." she says softly as she looks down. Duncan bit his inner cheek as he tries to think, "Oh.. do you have something els-"

"I'm not allowed to date..." Courtney cuts him off as she gives him a small, pitiful smile, Duncan can't help but let out a soft 'oh' and chuckles. She takes ahold of his hand and gives it a small squeeze, looking into his eyes as he read them.

He knew what he had to do.

As Courtney left to go back to her house, Duncan sped off as he knew what he must do. Though he dreaded it, if it meant succeeding- he'd do it.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked..." Mr Satella read out loud as he rehearsed, glasses on as he wrote down a few things to fix his preach. He didn't notice the sound of the doors opening as he continued, "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh, will of the flesh reap- can I help you?"

He stops as he notices a familiar young man walking down the aisle. Duncan awkwardly held his hands together as he paused in front of the older man. "Uh.. yes sir, I'd like to ask your daughter to dinner on Saturday night."

Duncan tried his best to sound poise and polite.

"That's not possible." Mr Satella bluntly responded as he took a sip of his water. Duncan sighed as he opened up, "Well... with all due respect sir, I ask you to reconsider."

"And with all due respect, Mr Tarun, I made my decision." He responds as he goes back to his notes. Duncan wanted to glare at him so badly but bit his inner cheek. Courtney's father just gestures to the door as he replies, "You can exit the way you entered."

Duncan looks back at the door, hands in his pocket, but remains steady at his place. "Listen, I'm sorry I haven't treated Courtney the way I should have. She deserves more than that.. I am just asking you for the same thing that you teach us every day in church and that's faith."

Mr Satella just raises an eyebrow at him and stands up straight from his podium. He takes a deep breath before tapping his desk and sighs.

---Time Skip: night---

Duncan smiled as he opened the door, while Courtney smiled back, fixed the pink cardigan Duncan had given her, and thanked him. He held out his hand as she took it, and they began walking into the restaurant.

"I can't believe you asked my father's permission." Courtney giggled as she felt his hand squeeze hers. Duncan chuckled and waved her off, "It's no big deal; he was cool about it anyway."

Oh, how he hoped this night would end well.

But little did he know...

Chapter Text

As Courtney & Duncan began their first date, they couldn't help but try to hide the giddiness between the two. Duncan couldn't help but admire how the girl in front of him looked and thought about how crazy it was that they once despised each other, to now feel as if this was how it was supposed to be all along.

"This restaurant is nice, are you sure this is okay?" Courtney shyly asked as she felt a sudden rush of nervousness hit her. He just chuckles softly as he reaches for her hand from across the table and grabs hold gently. "Don't even worry about it princess, okay?"

"Okay." She gives him a soft smile with her response and squeezes his hand in hers before pulling away as their food soon arrives. Her eyes light up at all the appetizers and entrees that come, not noticing Duncans' subtle chuckle at her reaction.

They began eating and still chatting amongst one another from time to time, along with some laughter springing out of their lips as they enjoyed each others' company.

It just feels...right.

"Yo!" They both looked shocked as they turned to see who had called them, only to see two blondes grinning and making their way to them. The two girls smile at each other and welcome each other with hugs, as the two dudes dabbed up a hello.

"Congrats, man." Geoff whispered to Duncan with a wink as Duncan chuckled and shrugged, whispering back, "told you, chick's into me also."

The two snicker and fist bump again as the two girls also chatted amongst themselves for a short moment.

"You look beautiful!" Courtney gleamed at Bridgette's baby blue dress as Bridgette smiled and gestured up and down Courtney's dress as well, "So do you, you look like a-"

"Princess?" Duncan intervenes as he winks at a flustered Courtney, making Bridgette clap and nod, "Yes!"

The two guys couldn't help but smile at their opposite attractions and gestured that they'd talk later, not wanting to waste any time. Soon, both Bridgette and Geoff waved farewell as they sat on the opposite side of the restaurant from them and Courtney couldn't help but smile.

As soon as they both finished the rest of their meal, the sound of piano music played causing Courtney to hum softly. She watched as Duncan was finishing up the rest of his meal before wiping his mouth with a napkin. He could feel her intently watching him, but acting as if he wasn't watching her as well.

He was honestly quite- not even quite, very nervous.

"Do you... wanna dance?" Courtney asked him as she watched some people dance with their partners to the sound of music. Duncan looked up at her, before looking at the others as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Uh...Sorry, I don't dance."

She just nods, and smiles but Duncan could tell there was a slight disappointment in her eyes before responding, "Me neither... I mean, not usually in front of anybody.."

"N-no, I mean.. I don't usually- I don't at all." He fumbles with his words as she stares dumbfounded at him. He lets out a nervous chuckle before continuing, "I mean as in I can't... I can't dance."

"Everybody can dance." Courtney responds with a soft chuckle as she held out her hand and gets up, "Come on...you can't be that bad, please...for me?"

Part of Duncan wanted to groan and refuse once more out of embarrassment. But another part couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lit up at the thought of dancing with someone, holding each other as they tried to dance with the music, the way it'd really make her happy. And that's all he wanted to make her feel.

He sighs before caving in and giving her a small smile as he takes her hand and they both walk to the dance floor. He notices Geoff give him a thumbs up, along with Bridgette for encouragement and chuckles softly before stopping as they reached the front.

"Oh wow... You really weren't joking" Courtney teased as for the past few minutes of them just trying to dance to the slow music, Duncan either kept stepping on her feet or kept holding her the wrong way. "Sorry, I told you I was bad at this."

Courtney couldn't help but giggle at his reaction and waved it off before responding, "But in all fairness, you did warn me right?"

"That's right." Duncan responded with a slight chuckle as he looked down at her. He moved a loose strand of her hair away from her face, and behind her ear as he couldn't help but admire how pretty she really was. He truly wanted to kiss her, but didn't want to make it awkward. Instead, they kept trying to dance as he tried to play it off. "So... what's number one on your list?"

Courtney just smiled and still shook her head, insinuating she still would not tell him what it is. Duncan just chuckled once more, "Well.. Number one on my list is getting out of our damn high school."

Courtney just hums and nods, "I don't think getting out is a problem, it's more like figuring out what you're gonna do when you get somewhere."

"What do you mean?" Duncan tilted his head slightly to the side as it was her turn to chuckle, but kept slowly dancing with him still. She looks eyes with him and gives his hand a little squeeze, "I mean you can do anything.."

Duncan couldn't help but feel himself falling more for her than ever. It was a new feeling for him, but it just felt right. She felt right.

Through the rest of the night of them talking and dancing, soon he guided her back to the car and tells her to close her eyes as he'd plan another surprise for her.

"Duncan, come on, where are we going?" Courtney pleads but still has her eyes closed. He just rubs the back of her head, but is still focused on driving and grinning like a crazy man. "Just hold on, we're almost there."

As soon as he pulls over, he helps her out of the car- still telling her to keep her eyes closed as he guides her to the road. Once they are there, he tells her to open them but only gets a tilted head on the side and a confused Courtney. "What is it?"

He chuckled and turned her to face him, so they were in front of each other on top of a line: "Okay, Stand there. One foot here, and the other there."

Courtney just chuckles but does as told, both feel on opposite sides with the line in between. She looks at him still smiling but confused at his happy reaction. "You're acting like a crazy person, Duncan. What's going on?"

"Okay, right now you're straddling the state line." He chuckles as she nods, still smiling, but still confused. Duncan just smiles as he turns his back and then turns forward motioning two signs. "You're at two places at once."

Courtney's eyes widen when she realizes that he is right and squeals as Duncan laughs with her. She jumps into his arms in both happiness and excitement as she gets to cross another thing off her list, making Duncan catch her as he lifts her up slightly and hugs her back tightly.

"I can't believe you remembered" Courtney whispered between his face and neck as he rubbed her back and put her down gently. Duncan winked and fixed her hair off her face before holding her hand as she stared at both signs with amusement, wondering how come she hadn't thought of that before. "I'm not done yet, I remembered one more thing."

As he guides her back to the car, they hop back in as he pulls out two small pieces of plastic.

"A tattoo.." She says softly as she looks at each design. Though it wasn't the permanent ones, they both clearly knew that she was definitely unable to get those- so temporary ones will do. And surely, this was also on her list

She smiles back up at him before looking through them. They were each very pretty designs; a heart, butterfly, flower... there were countless mini ones.

"Okay, So which will it be, princess?" Duncan asked as he flashed each, causing Courtney to hum. "You choose.."

Duncan looked through before pulling out a heart as it came with two, they both could get one. Courtney nodded and turned away to face him, slowly lowering her cardigan and strap of her dress to reveal that she wanted it behind her shoulder. Duncan for a moment had thought something else but shook his head to clear his thoughts as he locked eyes with her and nodded. He placed the tattoo's sticky side on her side before dabbing it with a wet napkin. They were both smiling like idiots as they applied the fake tattoos on each other and smiled as it came out pretty.

Not wanting the night to end just yet, he drives to the pier as they walk out hand in hand and giddy as can be. Courtney sighed softly as she looked at the night sky while they walked, "How can you see places like this and have moments like this, and not believe it?"

"You're lucky to be so sure." Duncan chuckled as they both stopped at the end of the pier, staring out at the ocean. Courtney just lightly elbows him to the side but smiles as she closes her eyes and leans against the rails. "It's like the wind... I can't see it, but I feel it."

"What do you feel?" Duncan stands beside her as he admires her beauty from under the moonlight. "I feel wonder and beauty...joy...love. I mean, it's the center of everything."

She opens her eyes and turns to face him as she feels his intense stare at her the whole time. She smiles softly and grabs ahold of his hand, squeezing it in a way for him to snap out of his gaze.

"I might kiss you." Duncan whispers as he leans closer, Courtney can't help but feel her heartbeat fasten as she still looks up at him before whispering back, "I might be bad at it."

They both laugh softly as he slowly reaches his hand to cup her cheek before closing the gap between them. Courtney slowly closed her eyes as she felt his lips upon hers. Soft but slow kisses they started, feeling as if they belonged together while sparks were felt between the both of them. As they soon pulled away, they were both still looking at one another before he is the first to speak.

"Court..." He says softly as she still has her eyes on him, trying to read his expression. He still had his hand on her cheek as he rubbed it gently before continuing, "I love you."

Suddenly a bit of fear and guilt rushed in her as she could feel her eyes start to burn and tears slowly building up. Duncan just licks his lips but looks back at her with a hint of confusion, trying to read her expression as she takes in a deep breath.

"N-now.. would be the time to say something.." Duncan says, trying to cut the silence but noticing her tears forming. The only thing is, the next ten words to come out aren't exactly what he had expected.

"I-I told you not to fall in love with me," Courtney says in a shaky soft voice. He could sense something was wrong and wanted to ask, but he could also sense something from her-she wasn't ready to tell yet. In denial, he just leaned once more and kissed her once again as she kissed back gently before pulling away and kissing her forehead, she squeezed his hand once more but hugged him tightly afterward as if she'd never do it again.

Chapter Text

As the next day came around, Courtney & Duncan no longer hid their true feelings for each other as he had his arm around her while they chatted amongst each other while entering the building. They chose to ignore the whispers and stares from people as Duncan just smirked when he passed a pissed off Mal and the rest of his friend group along the way.

Gwen couldn't help but feel a bit of jealousy as her fists clenched while Heather & Alejandro just snickered at the interesting new duo.

"Just ignore them, babe-" Zoey mumbles as she tries to comfort Mike as he just shrugs her off and scoffs.

Duncan chuckled as he overheard the two, while Courtney just looked up at him, confused, but sighed. "Duncan, I'm okay, really-"

"No can do babe, I don't trust any of those dipshits around you." Duncan chuckles, but in fact meant every word. Courtney just lets out a soft chuckle as she nudged his side, she hated to admit that the stares from people do bother her... but it felt comforting knowing that he was there beside her, wanting to protect her, and in fact, truly cared about her.

"But Geoff is actually really nice... and Zoey, I mean, I really don't see how she got pulled into that group, she's really nice as well... and smart." She says the last part softly as he responds with a snort. "She's smart yet she attaches herself to dudes like Mal."

Courtney purses her lips together as they stopped in front of her locker, she shakes her head disapprovingly at his remark and opens her locker. "Hey be nice... Plus I mean that's like me with you."

Duncan frowns at her remark as she giggles and rubs his cheek, "I'm kidding... but I mean it, be nice."

The bell soon rings, signaling that it's time for class. He'd usually try to secretly split and ditch, but now with her, he knew she wouldn't allow that. He just groans as she practically drags him to his first class and turns to smile at him. Just looking at her sudden switch of happiness, he couldn't help but give her a small smile back and kissed her knuckles as a response.

"I'll see you after class, okay?" Courtney stops in front of his class as it is next to hers, and he sighs but nods. She smiles and pecks his cheek before turning to go to her own- only to get pulled back as he plants a soft but loving kiss on the lips. She smiled between the kiss and playfully pushes him away after as they heard a whistle and felt a pair of arms fly around both their shoulders.

"Listen, lovebirds, there's always time for that after." Geoff winks at her as Courtney's cheeks flush pink, while Duncan snickers and shakes his head. Courtney leaves his grip as she waves the two farewell before going into her class as the two boys soon do the same.

--TIME SKIP: NIGHT --

Courtney smiled as she and Duncan had spent the rest of the evening together arounddrew the night as he had started walking her to her porch. There stood a seriouse watched the two, both clearly not noticing him there for a moment, town, but soon  man, Courtney's dad sighed as they were in their own little dreamland. They turn and give each other a small kiss to end the night, only to be interrupted by the older man calling out to her.

"Courtney." Mr Satella calls out as the two softly sigh, but pull away from one another. He takes a few steps off the porch as he slowly approaches them, "Say goodnight to Mr Tarun."

As he reached them, Mr Satella coldly said, "Duncan, go home, night's over."

Duncan wanted so bad to grumble at his remark, but just bites his inner cheek and nods. He knew Courtney would definitely not want him to argue with her dad. They both bid each other a soft "goodnight." Before he turns and walks back to his car parked out front. 

"Courtney, your behavior's sinful." Mr Satella says quite coldly as he watched the boy get into his car before turning to face her. "You're acting with that boy like you're-"

"in love?" Courtney intervenes as she looked up at her father. He straightens his posture and just looked at her before sighing, "Courtney, you are a child."

"Dad...-" Courtney sighed as she kept her confidence and looked at him, "-look at me, I'm not a child."

"Then stop acting childish!" He nearly shouts as she remains in place. They listen as they overhear Duncan's vehicle soon drive farther away before she sighs once more, "I love him..."

All Mr Satella could do- though in disbelief, was sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose together and closed his eyes for a split second before opening them, "Then be fair to him Courtney. Before things get worse."

That was all he could mutter before going back up the steps and into the house, leaving her out alone as she just closed her eyes and looked down. She could feel her eyes slightly burn once more, but tries to shake the feeling away.

be fair to him.

...

After two hours went by, Courtney hums softly to herself as she carried her telescope to a familiar spot. She checks her watch before noticing a familiar headlight approach her. She couldn't help but smile as Duncan stepped out of his car, and gave her the same expression. He gives her a soft peck and helps her with the stuff she had brought.

"So, what did you tell your father?" Duncan raised an eyebrow as he was quite curious about how they managed to meet like this again. Courtney just shrugs as she sets down her telescope, "The truth... I just left you out of it, though."

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle as he thought, 'that's my girl.' before sitting aside and getting a few things out of his bag while she was setting up the telescope. She claps her hands before looking back at him, "So what do you want to see?"

"Um... Pluto." Duncan responds as Courtney raises an eyebrow at him and shakes her head, "Um, Pluto only rises a few minutes before the sun."

He winks and pulls out two thermal bottles.

"Right, and I brought us a thermos of hot coffee... and a blanket." He chuckled as he spread the blanket down for them. She couldn't help but smile as she then lightly chuckled back, "You planned this?"

"Oh, I hoped for it," Duncan teased as he laid the blanket down and sat atop it. Leaning his arms back as Courtney giggles back at him, but then crosses her arms as she raises an eyebrow at him. "Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Why, are you seducible?" Duncan wiggled his eyebrows as she playfully rolled her eyes and shook her head with a small smile. He smirked and shook his head, "That's what I thought."

Courtney just laughs softly as he gets up behind her and kisses the back of her head, making her hum happily. He goes back to his bag before pulling out a piece of paper and clearing his throat.

"Um, can you find this star right here?" He hands over the paper to her as she looks at the coordinates and begins searching through her telescope. As soon as she found it, she looked at him with confusion and raised an eyebrow at why the sudden interest in finding this particular star. "I found it. So do you care to explain to me as to why I am looking for this star?"

"Because I named it after you..." He says softly. He wanted to cringe at himself, but he was more nervous about her reaction.

Courtney couldn't help but feel tears brimming in her eyes once more. And for once, it wasn't for being embarrassed, or upset- but instead for being happy. She slowly walks over to see him holding up a neatly rolled up registration as he makes a small smile.

"It's from the International Star Registry." He stated as she walked over, unveiling the paper to reveal that her name really is that star. He really did that. A huge smile spread across her cheeks as she wiped her tears and held the registry.

"Duncan... this is really beautiful." She says softly between sniffles as she looks up at him with loving eyes, as he returns the same goofy grin. She cups the side of his cheek as he could feel himself melt in her touch before hearing her say softly, "I love you."

Hearing her finally say it back made him feel as if his stomach had flipped, in a good way, of course. He couldn't help but cup her face as he admired her beneath the dim lighting of the moon.

He never thought he could feel such a way for someone, let alone someone like her. Someone he's known since they were practically kids, someone not even within the same status or same league as him.

Hell, it was more like he felt like he didn't deserve her.

Duncan rubbed her cheek gently before slowly leaning in as they kissed once more, a slight, eager feeling within the kiss as they started making out, but he knew he couldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't want to make her do something she wasn't comfortable with, and for once, he wanted to make sure to do anything in his power to not only make her feel loved and comfortable as well.

"Okay, sorry, I'll stop." He says softly between their lips as he pulls away slowly, earning a little giggle from her. She smiled as they moved to sit on the blanket. Duncan had lain back a bit as she lay between his legs and arms, humming contentedly as they half sat, half lay there in each other's arms.

"So, what's your number one?" He asks her softly while playing with the ends of her hair. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the feeling before holding his other free hand and looking at him. "To marry in the church my mother grew up in... that's where my parents got married."

Duncan hums as a response, surprised that that was her number one. Yet, at the same time understands as he nods and moves a strand from her face behind her ear. He gives her a light kiss on the cheek as she smiles contentedly and leans back against him as they continue to let the night wander. Basking in each other's warmth and comfort as they continued to look up at the stars and talked for hours while still maintaining the same hold on each other.

Nobody wanted this night to end.

Chapter Text

As daytime approached, Courtney managed to sneak back into her room before the sun rose. She felt rebellious as this was her first time sneaking in.

Lord, please forgive me. She pleaded, she knew it wasn't right- but as she turned back and saw the goofy smile on the boy's face, she couldn't help but feel... happy. As if in the moment, she forgot about everything else, and it was just them.

Duncan quickly hops quietly on the balcony outside her room to give her a quick kiss as she giggles and ushers him away before they get caught. Luckily, they do not as she could hear her father's loud snores still echoing through the halls.

Duncan wouldn't admit it, well, only to Courtney, but he felt hasn't if he hadn't been this happy in so long. It feels... so right.

As he jumps off her balcony, landing with a soft thump on the ground, he looks back and waves farewell to her once more as she does the same before running off to his car before Mr Satella wakes up in suspicion.

Duncan couldn't help but think on his ride back home about how, within the past few months, his life had completely done a 180. He never thought the girl he once thought of as stuck-up, lame, prissy, and boring would become much more important to him than he thought. Hell, just almost a year ago, he was hanging out with a group of people who almost helped him kill the poor kid jumping off a tall railing to his death, drinking on school property after hours, etc.

He truly does love her. She changed him.

As he soon reached his property, he yawned before noticing his mom sitting outside their lawn under their little umbrella table working on something. He smiled as he sneakily stepped out of his vehicle, closing it quietly before slowly walking up to her from behind to scare her.

"Hey!" He scares her as he grabs her shoulders from behind, causing her to gasp in surprise. He chuckles as he kissed his mother's cheek and sits in front of her as she pressed her hand to her chest. "Did you just get in?"

He nods as she gives him a small smile and shakes her head, "well thank heavens I didn't know, I would've been panicked."

"Sorry" He chuckles out once more before noticing his mother's smile slowly turn into a serious look, "Honey, were you with Courtney?"

As he sat in silence, she sighs before placing her glasses above her head, letting it rest. "Duncan you better be careful, she is the reverend's daughter. Please-"

"Mom, it's different with her okay?" Duncan sighed out as he leaned forward to show that he meant it. She sighs, but gives him a small smile before mockingly responding back with, "It's different with her-"

"Yes." He cuts her off, him soon turning serious as well as he wanted her to believe him. She reaches out and grabs ahold of his hand before making a small smile, "it better be different with her... I prefer her you know.. over the previous one."

He clicked his tongue as he knew who she was talking about and wanted to ignore it. She chuckles and opens up her folder, pulling something out. "I was doing laundry the other day, and I found this."

Duncan couldn't help but mentally cringe at himself as he knew he should've cleared his jeans incase his mother would do his laundry. She looked at him before reading aloud, "Examine a moon rock, go to college, get into medical school...honey, these are really beautiful ambitions. they're- but you're really gonna have to work really hard."

"I can do that." Duncan stated as he nods. Ms. Tarun examines her son's face as she gives him a sympathetic smile and nods, "yes, I know you can."

"Mom, I- Courtney has faith in me, y'know...She makes me want to be... different... better." He stated slowly as she gave him a genuine smile. The way he talked about her made his mother truly happy, as that's all she ever wanted for him.

--Time Skip: Night --

As night hits, Courtney & Duncan decided to go out once more, but something felt a bit different.

Duncan couldn't help but side glance her from time to time, noticing Courtney anxiously rubbing her fingers and thumb. He just knew something was off about her as he caught that anxious habit when they were rehearsing the play.

As they silently walked hand in hand down the street, they nearly bumped into Gwen & Zoey leaving another store. Zoey just gave a sheepish smile before being pulled away by a disgusted-looking Gwen, who couldn't help but glare at the brown haired girl.

"That's great.. from citizen high to citizen low." Duncan snickered before looking back and noticing a zoned out Courtney. She just stared off before looking around as he gave her hand a light squeeze. "Hey, are you worried... about your college applications?"

He tried his best to try lighten the situation by talking about anything else, but didn't expect her reaction as she shook her head and letting out a soft, "No."

They soon turned down an alley as he chuckled and nods, "I get it, you're smart, talented, any college would be greatful to have-"

"I'm not going to college." Courtney says softly, cutting him off as he halts and causing them to stop in the middle of the alley. His eyes widens as he raised an eyebrow and turns to face her, "Thought you said-"

"No.. you assumed." She mutters, still not facing him. He rubs the back of his head, "Gonna take a year off, try the peace corps thing?"

"No." She mutters again as he sighed and turns her to face him. Courtney still refused to look at him as she stared anywhere else but at him. He started to feel a bit worried as this wasn't the Courtney he knew... this wasn't his girl, "Hey, what's the matter?"

All Courtney could do was finally muster up the courage as she could feel her eyes starting to burn again. She hated this. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes, then opening them as she looked up at him before saying softly. "I'm sick."

"I-I'll take you home, you'll be better-" He tries to reassure her as he goes to grab her hand, but she only slowly pulls away as she shook her head, starting to feel a bit frustrated. "No, Duncan! I'm sick."

He stares dumbfounded at her for a brief moment, thinking 'that's why I can take you home, we can recheck,' but just continues to stare at her quite confused. Courtney could feel her nose burn as she knew what was coming. Her frustration slowly crept away as instead was replaced with pain.

"I have leukemia." She says in a soft, shaky tone. Duncan examined her face in disbelief as he laughed softly, trying to think that she was just messing with him as he wanted to be in denial. "No, you're 18, y-you're perfect."

She shook her head and wiped tears from falling out of her eyes, "No, no. I found out 2 years ago and i've stopped responding to treatments."

Duncan could feel his heart beating more rapidly as he bit his inner cheeks and felt his fists clench in anger. Not at her but at everything, everyone else.

"So why didn't you tell me?" He responds back, he did feel a bit betrayed by the secret, by the look on her face he just didn't know how to feel. "The doctors said I should go on and live life normally as best as I could. I-"

He couldn't help but feel his heart break, and the sound of her choking up on her own words. He stayed silent as she continued, "-I didn't want anybody to be weird around me."

"Including me?" His voice got a bit louder, but cracked a smidge at the end as he felt as if his world had just shattered before him. Courtney couldn't help it anymore as tears started coming out before running her hands through her hair, frustratedly, "Especially you!"

Duncan licked his lips as he felt more heated. He didn't exactly know how to say or feel in that exact moment as he watched her break down in front of him. Part of him wanted to just hug her, comfort her, and protect her... but another part just, didn't genuinely know what to do.

"You know I.. I was getting along with everything fine, I accepted it, and then you happened!" Courtney confessed as she kept trying to wipe her tears away to look at him. She could tell that his eyes also started building up tears as he listened to her. She took a deep breath, looked down before up at him once more before saying softly, "I do not need a reason to be angry with god."

Courtney holds out her hand, wanting to hold his face, hold him. But instead, just sucks her bottom lip in before running off, leaving Duncan alone as he felt his breath hitch. And then, that's when he soon broke down as soon as she was no longer within his sight and reach.

And that's when it really hit him.

Chapter Text

As Duncan sped throughout the night, it didn't matter to him how fast he was going. It was the destination that he was anticipating the most,

Crossing the state line, he kept driving for another hour before slamming the brakes as he stopped in front of a familiar house. He was anxious yet determined, rubbing his face as he tried to rub the puffiness from his eyes away.

Duncan rushed up the front lawn & immediately towards the front door as he impatiently knocked on the door twice.

He stepped back, no response.

Duncan grew more impatient as he stepped forward, knocking once again impatiently as he tapped his foot in frustration.

"Dad, open up the door!" Duncan shouted as he looked up the windows to see if the lights were on. He cursed softly under his breath before rubbing the back of his neck frustratedly, and turned to walk away. But soon heard the sound of the door opening as his father's head appeared out the door, quite surprised to see it was he who was knocking in the middle of the night.

"Duncan?" his father questioned in a surprised tone as he walked out to his front porch to meet Duncan. Though it did pain him to see his father, he took a deep breath as he muttered, "I need your help."

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" His father asked a bit on high alert, but with concern in his tone. "It's my girlfriend, Courtney, she's-she's got cancer, okay?"

Mr Tarum couldn't help but sigh softly as he gave Duncan a sympathetic look as Duncan continued, "A-and I need you to come and see her right now-"

"Okay, will you calm down-" He tries to gently grab Duncan's shoulders as he shrugs them off, still feeling a mix of adrenaline, frustration, but also desperation. "Can you help me or not?!"

"I don't... I don't know her case, I don't know her history, I'd have to talk to her physician, I'm a cardiologist, son, I can't-" His father tried to explain as he could see the mixed emotions and feelings spread across the boy's face. But there was one he could recognize for sure, disappointment.

"You know... just forget it. I knew it." Duncan spat as he took his father's words as an excuse to 'once again not help him with anything' and scoffed as he turned back around, walking towards his vehicle. "Would you wait? Duncan, wait!"

Duncan just slams his car door in response as Mr. Tarun sighs in defeat and watches his son speed off once again. It's not that he didn't want to help, but really, how could he, and as much as it hurt, Duncan knew that he was right. But it was his father... he didn't want him to be right.

As he sped back home, the longer he drove, the more reality was setting in for him.

She's sick. His girl, his lover, HIS Courtney... is dying, and there's nothing he can do about it.

He felt his eyes and ears heat up as tears started brimming in the corners of his eyes. He hated crying with a passion; hell, the last time he cried was when he was a young boy begging his dad to stay.

Yet right now, he knew the only thing he could and needed to do...was cry. Duncan could feel his chest aching and turning as he gripped his steering wheel in anger, though he knew Courtney wouldn't like it-he blamed everyone and he blamed god.

Why is it that if two were meant to be, placed by god, would he do this to the one person-who in Duncan's eyes is deemed perfect? Why did god have to finally place and piece them together as one, when she is in this state? As his vision started to blur, the tears sprang out as he couldn't control them anymore.

He, too was hurting. For her, for him, and each other. He's done a complete 180 that he never thought he'd ever accomplish; he stopped drinking as much as he used to, cared more about school, wanted a life after high school... fell in love with someone he used to make fun of. It just felt too much for him to handle.

Soon he had finally quit driving and stopped by the dock where he and Courtney were at during their first date, where she finally confessed to loving him back. He couldn't help it as he lit a cigarette-which he hasn't in a while, thanks to Courtney and took a drag off it. He closed his eyes and exhaled a cloud of smoke as he stared up at the sunrise that was peeking.

"Hey..." Duncan peeked as he noticed a familiar blonde approach him. Geoff sighed as he stood beside him, leaning against the rail as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Your mom called me... talk to me, man."

"About what?" Duncan responds bluntly as he takes another drag, "About you.. about Court."

"What's there to talk about?" Duncan kept the same tone, avoiding looking at his friend as Geoff gave him a sympathetic, sad look. Duncan just sighed as he chuckled coldly and shook his head, "She's the best person I've ever known."

"I didn't understand..." Geoff says softly as Duncan finally looked at his friend, Geoff also had a slight puffy eyes and that's when Duncan knew, he knew too. He just gives Geoff a pained but small smile as the blonde shook his head. "It's okay, Geoff. It's okay, man."

The two did their secret handshake as Geoff could see the sadness in his friend's eyes.

"Bridge, I mean... when she found out Court-" Geoff felt his breath hitch as he remembered the two finding out together through Duncan's mom, he remembers his girl crying right beside him as he too couldn't help but cry with her. Though he didn't know Courtney like that, he knew for sure how his best bud would react to that. And it hurt him knowing that he'd have to go through it all on his own. He just pulls Duncan in a hug as it catches the shorter boy by surprise, but slowly hugs back as he desperately needed some comfort at this time.

--Time Skip: A few days--

As a few days go by, Duncan knew the best thing at the moment was to give Courtney her space to breathe. He didn't want to scare her, or worse, make her feel overwhelmed by all of this as he sighed and approached her front porch.

Duncan didn't knock or call out to her, he just simply did what he's been quietly doing the past few days. Dropping off his love & support. He puts down a small boquet of flowers out front as that's what he's been doing from time to time throughout the day with little notes of reassurance for her. He wanted to let her know that he was still going to be there for her, that he still loves her and wants to protect her in the end.

As he turns to leave, he walks down the steps of her porch and sees Mr Satella soon entering their front lawn. "Duncan-"

"I'm not going anywhere... please tell Courtney that." Duncan says softly, yet Mr Satella can see the desperation and seriousness in the boy's voice and eyes. Mr Satella just sighs as he nods at the boy before watching him go back to his car and drive home.

Duncan tries to distract himself as he continues to fix his other cars, once feeling satisfied he sighs and closes the hood of his car only to look up and see her.

Courtney walks slowly up to him as he, too, slowly meets up halfway with hands in his pocket. She chews on her bottom lip nervously as she rubs between her fingers and thumb, looking down as she quietly speaks, "I'm... I'm sorry. I really should've told you sooner-"

"No, I made you do too many things. I kept you out- Duncan at first tried to be calm, but then started slowly panicking as he realized how fragile she must've been all those times. She could've gotten hurt, sick- Courtney shakes her head to cut him off, "No, no! If anything, you kept me healthier longer."

The boy couldn't help as that aching feeling started arising in his chest again when he looked at her. She, in response, finally looks up at him and gives him a sad but small, reassuring smile. Duncan tried so hard not to just jump at her, not in an attacking way-but in a more 'I missed you so much' type of way. He licked his lips before asking, "Are you scared?"

"To death." Courtney tries to tease as Duncan just scoffs softly and looks away, funny but not. Courtney just sighs and walks closer to him and rubs his arm as she gives him a genuinely small smile and whispers, "lighten up."

"It's not funny," Duncan mutters as he looks down at her. He watches as her smile soon turns into a pained one, and he makes the same face back at her. They leaned their foreheads together as she closed her eyes and sighed. As much as they both wanted to cry in each other's arms, they still wanted to remain equally strong for one another.

"I'm scared of not being with you." Courtney says softly as she stares into his teal eyes, tears brimming in hers as Duncan gently cups her face. A pang in his chest felt even stronger as those words felt like knives to him, "Oh baby, that'll never happen. Okay?"

She lets them fall as he pulls her into a tight hug. She wraps her arms around him, clinging to him because that's what she needed to hear. Both soon tearing up and soon letting the emotions out as she sobs quietly against his chest. He tries to remain strong, but soon breaks as well, as he too is scared.

He felt as if he was a little boy again, begging another person not to leave him...again.

Chapter Text

As night soon falls, Duncan watches as his mom sat quietly on the couch relaxed, and reading her book. He clears his throat awkwardly as he approached her, causing her to look up from her book and move her glasses up, resting on her head.

"Mom... um, can you do me a favor?" Duncan mumbles as he rubbed the back of his, causing his mother to raise an eyebrow but nod. "Can you... teach me how to dance?"

His mother gave him a confused look, before smiling softly as she put two-in-two together, and knew why he was asking.

Dancing, really Duncan?

Ms. Tarun chuckles as she gets up and starts showing him the foot movements first. Directing which foot does what as she points down, while Duncan tries to mimic each move.

She then shows him the square method to put it in simpler words. Duncan couldn't help but rub the back of his neck as he thought of it as complicated, but followed along as he matched her footwork.

Soon practicing with her as he held his mom, but at times would accidentally step on her foot as she reassured him 'that's okay, try again.' Each time it happened.

He wanted to perfect it.

As they kept trying, soon Duncan felt more confident as his mother grinned at him. She taught him a swift spin move as he did as so, soon perfecting that as well as he soon spun Courtney as they danced on her balcony, making her grin at his moves.

"Where did you learn how to do so good?" She teased as they danced. Duncan just chuckled as they both continued to sway and dance on her balcony, smiling like two goofy idiots at one another. "I'm just that good."

Duncan smirks as she slapped his chest lightly. Minutes of dancing soon felt like hours as he held her waist securely but gently, while holding her hand in his.

"I'm proud of you." Courtney says softly as she smiles and looks up at him. Duncan reciprocated the expression as he leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead, causing her to hum contently and close her eyes in his touch. "Thank you, princess."

As sunset hit, they walked hand in hand down to the lake, and sat on the bench staring out into the water and the view surrounding them. Courtney rests her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her, and leaned his head against hers. She closed her eyes as she let herself doze off for a moment, Duncan rubbing her knuckles as he lifts up her cardigan that was slipping off her shoulders.

He knew he had changed. She was changing him, for the better.
He wouldn't be doing this if he was still his old self-
Heck, he never thought of even being in a serious relationship & loving someone as much as he truly loved her. All that used to matter was drinking, breaking the rules, and messing around.

—TIME SKIP: next day—

Duncan hummed as he packed some things in the back of his vehicle, making sure he had everything as he planned to take Courtney on another date. He didn't know how much time she, no, they had left- but he didn't wanna waste a single second, nor make her feel any less important than how much she really is to him.

As he remained focus on packing, he looked up at the sound of an engine turning off and looking up to see who that could be.

Trent & Alejandro.

Duncan made a 'tsk' sound quietly as he noticed them come out of  Trent's car as they approached him. He crossed his arms as Alejandro was the first to speak.

"So... we talked to Geoff." Alejandro rubs the back of his neck awkwardly as Trent didn't even try to hide his sympathy for Duncan as he sighed.

They both knew.

"Need help with that?" Trent chimes in as Duncan sighed and relaxed his body, shrugging as he nodded, "sure."

The two boys helped out as they put stuff in their car as well, and drove to where Duncan was bringing all the items to-

Courtney's front yard.

Courtney soon awakes as she hears the sound of a saw machine and drilling coming from the front. She yawns and slowly sits up, rubbing her eyes as she stretched.

'What is all that noise?' She thought as she soon gets up from bed to go over to her window to take a look. A small smile soon spreads over her lips as she pulled back her curtain a bit to see Duncan in the front working on something.

"Courtney, what is that young man doing on our lawn?" Her father sighed as he approached her, looking out of her window as well. Courtney turns and smiles at her father, about to open her mouth to say something before her face slowly drops as she looks at him with a dizzy expression.

"Courtney, what's the matter?" Her father asked in a concerned voice as she just collapses in his arms as he quickly catches her. "Honey!"

As the ambulance soon comes and takes her to the hospital, Duncan paces around the hallway as he rubs the back of his neck frustrated at not knowing what to do.

'Maybe this was my fault.' He thought as he kept pacing, palms feeling sweaty as he kept thinking negative thoughts. 'Maybe all that noise could've triggered her or-'

"Her vitals are doing okay so far." A nurse interrupts his thoughts as he hears her telling Mr Satella some reassuring news.

Duncan sighs as he slowly walks back to her room, stopping by her door as he watched her sleep on the hospital bed.

She still looks so beautiful.

He sits beside her as he grabs her hand in his and gently brings it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles. Gently putting them down, and closed his eyes as he for once did something he hasn't done in a long time.

He prayed for her.

Duncan stayed for hours, not wanting to leave her side as he wanted to be there once she woke up. Soon day turns to night, he spent days waiting for her. At one point even laying on the bed beside her as he closed his eyes and held her as he finally fell asleep.

Duncan just couldn't get that anxious & fear out of himself as he stayed with her countless days & nights watching over her. Reassuring her each time if she wakes up, he promised he'll do better, be better, etc.

He needed her.

At one point even crying beside her as fear kept creeping in the longer the days went on, and her not waking up.

Once the girl did slowly wake up, it was if it automatically triggered a sudden protection around him as Duncan made it clear that he did not want to leave her side until she was out of there.

Anything she wanted, he'd go get. She's cold? He'd go and get her blankets. She's hot? He'll go out and either beg them to turn up the AC, or bring a fan himself. Thirsty? He'll get her any drink she craves. Throughout the next few days, it didn't matter to him as all he wanted to do was take care of her no matter how long it took.

Mr Satella peeks through the small open window from the door as he sighed upon seeing Duncan still there, same seat, same expression, same clothes, same everything. But he couldn't help that no matter how much he wanted to deny it, he finally understood them.

The boy truly does care for her as much as he does.

Mr. Satella slowly opens the door as he steps in and approaches Duncan. Placing a hand on his shoulder as he whispered, "Duncan, go home son."

"I'm not tired." Duncan says softly, an obvious tiredness could just be seen on Duncan's face and heard in his voice. Mr Satella sighs as he squeezed Duncan's shoulder gently. "I need just a minute with her."

Duncan hesitates but nods, leaning down as he kissed Courtney's hand as she gave him a small but weak smile. "I'll be back okay?"

"Okay." Courtney gives him a small reassuring smile as the boy gets up and leaves the room for the two of them to speak alone. Mr Satella gives his daughter a small smile as he too couldn't help but feel pain at just looking at his babygirl like this.

He sits at where Duncan was once sitting, and rubs his temples as Courtney slowly tries to reach out to him. Whispering softly, "daddy..."

Mr Satella looks up at her with a fake smile, trying not to show any sight of worry in his face as he takes ahold of her hand. She gives him a small squeeze as she mutters, "so serious"

He shakes his head and chuckles softly.

"Do you remember when you were five... or six, and you said you hated gravity? And you wanted to jump off the roof and fly?" He says softly as she lets out a giggle, and couldn't help but smile at the memory as she responds, "I was so angry at you... when you told me to come down."

"Honey, I kept you too close... because I wanted to keep you long." Mr Satella confesses in a soft shaky voice. Courtney just smiles as she rubbed his knuckles, "dad..."

"You know... when I lost your mother-" he cuts himself off as he felt his eyes burn up, same way hers does when he feels like he's gonna break. He takes a deep breath as he still tried remaining strong in front of her, "-I was afraid that my heart would never be open again."

Courtney could feel her eyes also water at the thought of her mother, but also sensing her father's emotions as he went on. "Courtney, I...I couldn't look at you for days."

Mr Satella confessed, and couldn't help as he wiped his eyes. Placing a hand on her cheek afterward as he smiled through his sadness, "but then-"

"I love you so much." Courtney says softly as that's what did it for him. Soon unable to control himself as her father breaks, holding her arm close to him as he sobs quietly, looking down as he held her hand close to him as she reached over and pats his head gently. Mr Satella just held her other hand as he sat there, praying for dear god to hear his pleads.

Please don't take the last good thing away from me.

Chapter Text

Courtney had her nighttime schedule down as she sat in front of her vanity, doing her usual nightly skin care routine. She hummed a random tune to herself as she pressed her silk face mask against her face, and proceeded to use an ice roller, not noticing a sound banging against her window.

Soon it started to bother her- the sound of something hitting against her window, she groans and gets up. First, making sure her mask didn't fall off before dragging herself to the window, and moves her curtains aside. She looks down at the mortified boy from below as she snickered.

"Why're you here at-" she pauses and looks back at her clock, "9:50pm at night, it's a school night you ogre."

The ogre couldn't help but drop his disgust and smiled at her little bickering. He motions  circle around his face before snickering.

"Tryna hide the ugly, princess?" He whisper a bit loud back as she glared at him, "for your information, this is my skin care prep... which is something YOU need, ogre."

Courtney rolls her eyes as she crosses her arms at her friend below as he laughs. Duncan, the boy below snickered as he motioned her to come down. She shook her head as he groaned and placed his hands on both his hips.

"Come on, court. It's our last few weeks before schools over, let's have some fun." He pleaded as she thought about it for a moment, before shaking it once more.

Duncan and Courtney were practically childhood friends- at first, forced- as to how Courtney would put it. But simply, as they grew up together, they've grown quite close. Seeing each other's ups and downs, seeing both sides of each other- it's no wonder why some would first assume they were dating. But to them, it was simply just a close friendship, nothing else.

At least that's what she thinks.

"Princess, don't make me climb up there again." Duncan replied in a bit of a sassy tone as Courtney stuck out her tongue and shut her curtains. She sat back in front of her vanity, and proceeded to continue her nightly routine, ignoring the sounds of tapping from her window again as she chuckled to herself quietly.

'He's very persistent.' She thought as she smiled to herself. It felt good whenever he had asked her to hang out with him, but she'd never admit to that.

Though she never thought of it, she did come to terms with how it was nice they eventually did form a solid relationship. A solid friendship. Though she tries to ignore a little crush she had on him when they were 16-17.

"Court-" She gasps out loud when he snaps her from her thoughts, climbing through her window as she face palms herself for not locking it. This wasn't the first time he'd done this, she should've remembered. "Jesus Duncan! You can't just climb in here like you own this place?!"

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle as he walked up to her and pats her back as he stared down at her masked face. His nose scrunches as he moves a piece of her hair to behind her ear, noticing that it was falling onto her sticky mask.

"Why won't you go out with me?" He asked as her eyes widens, cheeks flushed, but turns away so he wouldn't see. It took him a minute, before realizing what he had said. All the boy could do was awkwardly chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, why won't you come out... come on, it won't be too long this time!"

Courtney still glared at him through her reflection in the mirror as she sighed.

"Duncan, you know I wouldn't mind... but it's a school night AND it's already getting late." She mumbled as she removed the mask, and starts rubbing the milky, silky texture all over her face.

The boy just snickered as he sat on her bed, watching her as he couldn't help himself.

"You know, that looks wildly inappropriate." He snickered as she turned to face him with a confused express. "What is?"

"That." He chuckled as she gives him a skeptical look before looking in the mirror, soon putting two and two together and gets up to give a firm smack against his shoulder. "You're nasty."

"Come on, an hour." He suggests as she whines before sitting beside him, contemplating. "Where, Dunc?"

"Secret." He grins as she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms once more. "I'm not going unless I know."

"I promise you'll love it! Please." He pleaded, making a face he knew always worked on her as he could feel her shift in her place. A few minutes in silence and contemplating before she groaned. "Fine... but you owe me!"

Duncan just makes a goofy grin as he nods and leans back, waiting. Courtney just clears her throat as Duncan looked at her confused. "What?"

"What do you mean, what? Get out so I can change." She gets up and motions him to leave through the window as he groans. "Come on, princess. It's kind of cold out!" 

She just stares at him deadpanned as he crossed his arms and smirked.

"Plus, it's not like it's the first time you've changed in front of me." He snickered at their memory of their first night he convinced her to try a few drinks during their friend, Geoff's birthday party a few years back.

Courtney's cheeks flush a bright pink once more as she stomps while placing both hands on her hips.

"You pig!" She exclaimed as he laughs. "And the way you tried to kiss-"

She covers his mouth with her hand as she didn't want to relive that memory.

To her she thought they didn't, and that it probably meant nothing to the boy.

To him, it meant something else.

Neither of them would like to admit it to the other though.

"Fine, I'll just turn around and face the window. Would that make you feel better, princess?"He offers as she mumbled something from under her breath before nodding.

The boy does as so, turning to give her some privacy as she walked to her dresser and began stripping down. Little did she know, Duncan could make out a slight view of it as her light reflected against the window.

He couldn't help but lick his lips as he stared for a moment, before cutting his thoughts as she finished.

"Alright, let's go." She sighed as she followed him out the window. She'd hate to admit that the boy did have a slight influence on her, but she'd never let him know that.

Soon getting to his motorbike, she scrunched her nose and groans.

"You know I don't like riding that." She grumbled as Duncan chuckles and hands her a helmet. She begrudgingly took it before hopping on and placing it over her head, wrapping her arms around his waist as they went off. "So... where are we going?"

"You know, you're very impatient." He says as she pinched his side, causing him to grip the handles tightly so that they wouldn't swerve. "And you're a Neanderthal."

After a few minutes of them bickering, they soon hit the destination as her eyes lit up at the decorated spot.

"Duncan... this is-"

"Beautiful, I know." He said in a smug tone while helping her off the bike. "This looks like a date."

Courtney teased as she sat down on the blanket and nudged him. Though he remained quiet, she turned to face him quite confused.

"Thank you though..." she says softly with a smile as he soon breaks from his thoughts and smiled back. "I didn't think of it like that... but now that you mentioned it, that's true."

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as she chuckled. "What's all this for though?"

"You know... graduating and whatever." Duncan states as he tries to play it off cool. Courtney couldn't help but smile as she nods and grabs the basket in front of them. "Thanks, that's really nice of you."

He rolled his eyes at the word 'nice' and shrugs once more, "Don't mention it."

Courtney nudged him as she grabbed the strawberries from within and hums contently.

"So... got a date for prom?" She asked as the boy waved her off, grabbing the sandwiches from inside, handing one to her as she thanked him. "Nah... I don't feel like going actually."

She gasped at his response and shook her head,

"Dude... this is our final one. Plus you didn't even go to the last one."

"Dances aren't really my thing." He chuckled as he took a bite, causing Courtney to roll her eyes. "Come on, it's not mines either but I'm going!"

For some reason, Duncan hesitates another bite as he raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you mean not your thing? It is."

She shook her head as he rolled his eyes, "dressing up, looking pretty, dancing... that's literally a princess thing."

Courtney frowned as she puts her sandwich down and crossed her arms. She hated whenever he was right about something and wanted to argue back.

"Is it because you don't have a date?" She asked, causing Duncan to choke on his sandwich as her eyes widen, passing him the water as he chugged it down. "What-? No, you know I don't care about that."

She thought about it for a moment before nodding, "come on Duncan... it'll be fun!"

"Not for me." He stated as she sighed, he watched her closely as he took another bite. "What about you... do you have a date?"

She shrugged and shook her head, "I mean I was gonna go with Gwen and Bridge but..."

She made a look that Duncan understood as he laughed, "you were planning on going with two of our friends that already had dates?"

Courtney frowned as she continued eating her sandwich and strawberries. "I guess when you put it that way..." 

Courtney was also secretly examining his expression as an idea popped into her head. Her cheeks flushed at the thought as she tried to push it away.

"I mean... why don't you come with me..." she mumbled as he once again pauses mid bite, and looks at her confused. "What? You're talking too soft."

Courtney rolls her eyes as she looks at him with a serious but playful look as she shrugged, "why don't we go together? I mean, I don't see why not?"

Duncan chuckled as he smirked, "are you asking me to be your date, princess?"

"Are you gonna make me regret it?" She snickered as he shook his head and gave her a smug grin. "Nah... I'll make you enjoy yourself."

She smiled at his response as she nudged him once more and continued to eat. Resting her back against the tree as she hummed once more contently.

"Thanks again Duncan... this is really nice of you." She smiled genuinely at him as he smiled back, both enjoying each others company as they sat in brief yet comfortable silence. 

Though their prom advances were meant to just be "friendly." They both knew secretly that they had wanted something more that night.

Chapter Text

As Duncan arrived home after seeing Courtney once more, he noticed a familiar person sitting on his front porch steps waiting for him. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he slowly got out of his car and approach the girl.

"What are you doing here?" Duncan crossed his arms as goth girl soon got up and dusts herself off. She gave him a sheepish smile as she cleared her throat before speaking. "I just wanted to give you something... and well you've been busy so I wanted to just drop by..."

"Unannounced?" Duncan scoffed as Gwen sighed and fiddled the envelope in her hand. Duncan couldn't help but look down at it before back at her, "what's that?"

"Oh yeah, I-uh, wanted to give you these." She hands him the envelope as he gives her a suspicious look, but takes it anyways as he slowly opens it. Gwen shrugs as she stated, "pictures from the play."

Duncan could feel Gwen watching him as he looks through each of them, and couldn't help but smile at some of the photos with Courtney and that dress-

'Oh how she looked so beautiful' he thought to himself.

"I'm sorry about the flyers." Gwen says as Duncan looks back at her, blank face as he responds back with, "doesn't matter to me... it's Court-"

"Yeah I know." She mumbled as she crosses her arms, shifting awkwardly as she looked around before back at him. "Guess you're with who you should be with..."

Duncan made a small smile, but couldn't help but notice the slight pain in her voice as she continued, "it's like she chose you."

"Yeah...I don't even know why." He responds back softly and chuckles as she lets out a soft sigh. "I do."

He looks up to see a sad look in her eyes. He didn't know what to respond with before she grabs his face to kiss his cheek, and walks away afterwards. All he could do was stand there, dumbfounded.

After a few hours had passed, Duncan went back to the hospital and sat beside Courtney as she was still napping in her bed. He just read a few comic books he had with him, failing to notice the girl slowly shift beside him as she slowly opens her eyes.

Courtney makes a soft smile when she sees the boy still there beside her, after a brief minute, then he notices that she had woke up.

"Hey baby, how're you feeling?" Duncan says quietly as he leans forward and gives her a light peck on the lips as she smiles and responds back with, "Hey... I'm pretty okay, how about you?"

"Good." He sits beside her legs on the bed as they held hands. Courtney smiles as she grabs something from the side, "I have something for you."

"You do?" Duncan questions as she hands him a book. He gives her a goofy look as she giggles and says, "don't worry, it's not a bible... it's a book from my mother's."

He touches the cover and opens it up as she continues, "it has some of her favorite quotes from her favorite books.... Her thoughts..."

Duncan could sense how much this book meant to her as he lifts her hand to his lips and gives a soft kiss on her knuckles. He nods and lets out a soft chuckle as he slowly flips through a few pages before saying softly. "Alright, let's check this out."

Courtney couldn't help but shift into a more comfortable position as she sat up against her pillows, and nods for him to proceed.

"Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited-" as Duncan reads aloud from one of the passages he couldn't help but notice Courtney closing  her eyes slowly as she quietly repeat the same quote. He gives her hand a slight squeeze as he continues. "-it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and endure what ever comes."

"You know what I figured out today." Courtney says softly as she played a bit with his hands. He hummed, and makes a small smile at her, "what is it?"

"God... he probably has a bigger plan for me...than I had for myself" she whispered as Duncan just gives her a smaller smile, and squeezes her hand gently as she continues, "like this journey never ends..."

Once again the panging feeling dwelling in his chest as he tries to maintain the smile on his face.

"Like you were sent to me because I'm sick." She reaches up to caress his cheek as he closed his eyes, and leans against her touch. "To help me get through this."

He does the same as they both lean into each others touch. He turns to give her hand a kiss, as she leans against his hand, eyes closed.

"Like an angel." She says softly as she looks at him, suddenly it hits him again. Reality. As much as he admires her, he could feel everything shattering around him and leans in to kiss her. She cups his face and kisses back as a tear runs down both their cheeks.

She makes me so happy.

Duncan decides to spend the night at home as Courtney begs him to just get one night of rest in bed before coming back to check on her. He wanted to stay with her, but reluctantly decided not to argue with her as she pleaded with her eyes.

He decided to go again early the next day as he brought flowers for her. But soon upon reaching her room, the door opens as a nurse wheels her out on a wheelchair. She gives him a big grin upon seeing her lover with flowers.

"Princess-"

"Duncan, I get to go home... please thank your father for me." Courtney says happily as he gives her the flowers. Duncan gives her a small smile, but also has a quite questionable look on his face as the nurse wheels her out. Mr Satella soon follows out of the room as he pauses in front of Duncan, he looks up at him as her father gives him a genuine smile. "What does she mean?"

"Your father's been trying to reach you... he's going to pay for a private home care." Mr Satella stated as he placed a hand on the boys shoulder and gives it a slight squeeze, before walking past him to help his daughter into the car, leaving Duncan to stand there with a bunch of thoughts running through his head.

Duncan doesn't immediately follow back to her place , but speeds off as he lets his thoughts wander all over the place while driving. Soon making it to his destination as he knocks on his father's door. He nervously waits outside before knocking again.

As Mr Tarun slowly opens the door, he gives the poor boy a small smile. Duncan had puffy eyes, hands shoved in his pocket as he looked up at his father. The man steps out from behind the door to approach his son as Duncan musters up the courage, wiping his face. "T-thank you..."

Mr Tarun just nods, sensing how the boy was really feeling as he walks closer and pulls the boy in for a hug. Soon breaking the cold hearted boy as he sobs on his father's shoulder, gripping the back of his shirt as his father lets him poor it all out.

"It's okay... let it all out." He says softly as Duncan sobbed. It broke his heart knowing that the last time he saw his son break like this... was the last time he saw him as a child before he had left them.

Chapter Text

As the next day arrived as Mr Satella checks out the window to see the boy working hard on not only building something, but at the same time, surprised to see him working with the books as well.

He opens his front door as he grabs his lamp and a mug full of hot cocoa and approaches the boy.

"Look, I gotta finish this tonight..." Duncan mumbled as he sensed the older man's presence beside him, side eyeing as he watches Mr Satella place the mug beside him. "Here... something hot."

Mr Satella also places the lamp down as he seemed quite intrigued by what Duncan was doing.

"Okay I'm almost done with the rocker... did she order the mirrors?" Duncan asked as the older man nodded and motioned to their garage. "Yeah, they're in here... what are you going to use for the side bearings?"

"I'm gonna use an old phonographic turntable." Duncan explained as they walked to the garage, Mr Satella wouldn't admit it, but he was quite impressed with how the boy-who once was deemed a delinquent, went through some great lengths and changes just for her. "Do you think you'll be done by tomorrow?"

As the night gets darker, Mr Satella and Duncan finish the job together to build something precious to their sweet girl- a new telescope.

"Thank you." Courtney smiles as Duncan kisses her forehead gently after the two men had brought it up to her mini balcony outside of her window. "You're welcome, princess."

"It's beautiful." She held his cheek and rubbed it as he leaned against her touch, taking it all in. He checks his watch and turns slightly to kiss the palm of her hand before chuckling. "Okay, it's time to check it out."

Courtney nods as she turns and steps up to the telescope slowly, her legs slightly weak from all the rest she's been trying to do and slowly looks up at the sky, sighing contently. She looks back at Duncan and smiles once more before leaning down a bit to take a look into the telescope.

Duncan stood there nervously, hoping to have done a good job as he wanted to make her happy. He shoved his hands into his pocket as he watched her look around through the telescope, waiting for a response.

"Hmm..." she mumbled as she looked up at the sky, before looking back into the telescope. "Wow..."

Courtney smiled as she watched a small comet fly by slowly across the sky. "Come, come take a look."

She motioned Duncan to come over as he lets out a soft chuckle and comes over to do the same, peeking into the telescope and smiles.

'Good job, Duncan.' He thought to himself as they held hands while he looked. Amazed by what they both saw, he whispered, "Wow, that is cool."

Courtney giggled softly as she gently lets go and sits on her bench and nods. Duncan looks back at her as he slowly sits beside her, facing her while she looked up at the sky with her eyes closed.

She did look slightly paler, a bit more... fragile.
It scared him to see her this way.

"Do you love me?" He whispers softly to distract their thoughts, watching as she slowly opens her eyes and looks right back at him. Courtney smiles gently at him as she nods, reaching to caress his cheek as he grabs ahold gently of hers, and looks into her eyes. "Then... will you do something for me?"

Courtney nods as he kisses the tip of her knuckles, rubbing them after as she says softly, "anything..."

He reaches into the pocket of his hoodie as he slowly pulls out a little box, causing her eyes to widen.

"Will you marry me...?" He whispered as she looked at the ring, then back at him with tears brimming her eyes as she nods.

Both having full emotion on gear as their tears were filled with nothing but love and happiness. He gently places the ring on her finger as she cups his face, both pulling each other in for a loving and tender but gentle kiss as it settled their relationship.

Mr Satella was secretly watching the two from afar as he had a small smile on his face.

Of course the boy had discussed this with him, how much she meant to him and how much he loved her and couldn't bear to say goodbye just yet.

Of course her father agreed.

The next chapter of their relationship soon arrives as Duncan nervously waited inside the church. Yes, that church. The #1 thing on her list

To get married at where her parents had their wedding at.

Duncan couldn't help but feel nervous as he looked into the crowd. His mother tearing up for him, happily. And to have Geoff, Alejandro, Trent & Bridgette as his friends to support him.

As the doors opened, Duncan couldn't help but feel as if time had stopped and his breath hitched as he saw her. He cursed in his head as he felt a massive wave of emotion hit him, tears welling up as he admired how beautiful she looked.

His girl, his lover... his soon-to-be wife.

She too, had tears brimming her eyes happily as she never thought she'd last this long... live and do all of her list of goals she had.

Mr Satella gently rubbed her hand that was linked with his as he smiled down at his little girl, then back at the young boy as they walked closer to him.

Duncan was soon just letting his emotions out as the tears rolled down his face. Not just out of happiness. But secretly, also out of sadness and fear.

He'd never thought of getting this far... never thought he'd ever love someone the way he truly loved her.

She had to stay, he begged God just one more chance, 'please god... just a bit more time. Please don't take who I love the most...'

Duncan looked aside as his father, whom of course he'd invited to the wedding, gave him a genuine smile as he felt so proud of how the boy had become.

Courtney looks around slowly as she smiles at their four friends, who smile back at her. Bridgette wipes a tear from her eyes as Courtney mouths, 'love you."

Oh, that definitely broke the blonde as she tears up more, mouthing, 'I love you too.'

Soon they reach beside the boy as Courtney and Duncan grab ahold of each other's hands and stare at one another with passionate eyes.

Mr Satella smiles gently as he stands between them at a distance, ready to reverend their wedding as the two smile like goofy idiots at one another.

"We are all gathered here to celebrate a lovely celebration between the two in front of us today... for.
"Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful." As he continued, the two couldn't help, but look at each other, and happiness and love distracted each other as they soon read their vows.

As it was now time to kiss the bride , Duncan couldn't help but grin. Dipping the girl-his wife, gently as she giggled in their kiss with the sounds of their friends and families cheering them on.

Soon pulling apart as they walk hand-in-hand, waving to their friends and family that had shown up as they walked down the aisle.

They had both never felt so happy in their life as they did right now. Stepping out of the church, they soon approached their  just-gotten-married vehicle.

"Courtney, wait!" The girl looked up as she turned and gave a soft smile to the older man, as Duncan did the same. Little did they know what he was about to say next might change things...

"Thank you for coming Mr Tarun, I-"

" What would you say if I offered to pay for a specific treatment for you?"

Chapter Text

- Time skip: A year later-

Duncan's POV 

Courtney and I had a great summer together... not all the time did it have its' highs, but also its' lows. Some nights were harder than others, and some we would remember to treasure forever. I could never forget the blessing we had faced that day when my father had came up to us on our wedding day. An offer she just couldn't pass up on. Something that just felt too good to be true. Though it may not last infinitely, I will be there for when the time comes.

"Duncan...?" I open my eyes slowly and exhale as the girl of my dreams slowly joins me on the balcony. She sits beside me as she leans her head on my shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

I'm not sure how to put into words how just one person had changed me so drastically. 

She was my literal lifeline.

"Just...stuff" I say quietly as I watch her nod and sling her blanket over both our shoulders. "It's cold out. Why don't you come inside?"

"I have something for you." I look down at her as she does the same to me, quite puzzled, but sits up out of curiosity. "What is it?" 

As I gently take ahold of her hand, I guided her back inside and onto our bed.

"Okay, close your eyes." I instructed as I stood in front of her. I could see her eyebrow raise in suspicion as she hesitates before doing so. "What surprises do you have, Duncan?"

"Princess, that's why they're called surprises." I chuckled as I run out to the kitchen and grab a cake hidden in the fridge before running back and turning off the lights in our room as I lit the candles. "Okay, open."

Third Perosn POV 

Courtney slowly opens them as she places her hand over her chest, eyes brimming with tears as she watches Duncan approach her with a birthday cake.

She felt herself smile with tears forming as he quietly sang her Happy Birthday. She looks down at the cake as it had icing that red 'Happy 19th birthday, baby.' written on it.

Courtney could've never imagined she'd even make it to 19, let alone 18 years old. Yet here she was. Happy.

"Your dad told me your favorite... he should be coming by tomorrow as well." Duncan stated as he smiled softly at her reaction. She gets up, placing the blanket aside on their bed as she wipes her tears and cupped his face, giving him a gentle but loving kiss. "Go on..."

Duncan smiled, looking all goofy as he usually did after she kissed him, motioning for her to make a wish and blow out her candle. Courtney nods as she smiles as well and closes her eyes. Holding her hands together as she thought of her wish before blowing it.

"What'd you wish for?" He asked as she nudged him jokingly, "it won't come true if I say it, dummy."

He couldn't help but chuckle as he placed the cake on their little table before bringing it in front of her near the front edge of their bed.

"Happy birthday, baby." Duncan says softly as he moves a strand of her hair behind her ear and caresses her cheek as she leans her head against his touch. "Thank you..."

"My parents also wanted me to tell you they also say happy birthday." Duncan chuckled as he hands her two cards, one from his mother, and the other from his father. 

"I'm glad you're better with him now..." Courtney stated as he just hummed in response and grabbed utensils and plates for the both of them. "Kinda have to be... he helped us out."

Courtney nudged him again as she looked at him seriously.

"Duncan... if it weren't for him really digging into my case-"

"I know." He muttered as he looked down.

-flashback-

"What would you say if I offered to pay for a specific treatment for you?" Mr Tarun asked as Courtney slowly drops her flowers at his remark. "W-what do you mean? I stopped reacting well-"

"I know but... look, I know it might seem impossible, but I know some place we can try to re-do the treatments... try again. I know it's a long shot but-"

"A long shot? You can't tell her this if you're uncertain about it." Duncan intervenes as he overhears. Mr Tarun just sighed as he takes ahold of one of her hands. "Courtney... there is still a chance that maybe re-trying these treatments might even help you go up to maybe 5 years alone. You were told up to this year, but trust me on this... I will join them in this treatment, and trust me. I do want to do whatever it'll take to help you go through this even longer..."

Courtney's eyes watered at just the thought of re-trying the treatments. They weren't always the best, and sometimes also hurt. 

But the thought of it maybe working... maybe getting to have some more time with Duncan, her father... she'd do anything for that.

"I...I want to try it." She says softly as she squeezes his hand as he does so as well. Duncan eyed her worringly as she placed a hand on his cheek and rubbed gently. "You'll be there for me...right?"

"You don't even need to ask..." Duncan says softly as he looks at her, serious about his response, before looking back at his father. "Don't hurt her."

-flashback over-

"Hey" Courtney says softly as she scooted closer to him and grabs both his hands in hers. "I'm here now... that's all that matters."

Duncan couldn't help but make a sad smile at her as he nodded. He just kept thinking of their times in the hospital, watching over her as she redid her treatments, they weren't always that easy to watch. Especially the times she looked like she was going through hell and then better and then rejected again.

He couldn't stop thinking that at first, when her body still rejected the treatments, it made him go more into a hollow depth of depression, just thinking of how she's going through all of it alone. Thought not physically alone, just mentally, and everything else was... alone.

He would always check in on her day and night, sneaking in past visiting hours whenever he had the chance just so she wouldn't be alone.

"And... at least we're still married." She teased quietly to try brighten the mood as Duncan chuckles softly and nods once more. "That's crazy to me."

"What is?" She asked as she took a slice of the cake before eating, and facing him. He shrugged and did the same, chuckling once more as well. "You marrying me..."

"True... who would've thought?" She teased once more, as this time he nudged her and rolled his eyes playfully. "Do you regret it...?"

Courtney paused as she looked at him with a frown. She examines his facial expression as she knows he meant that question before shaking her head and reaches to squeeze his hand.

"Do you?... I mean... you're healthier. You've improved in your studies... You don't do what you used to do... do you... Think you regret it?" She says slowly, hesitating between her words as she rubs the area between her thumb and index finger nervously.

She did think at times that she felt bad for him.

She felt like it was her fault he decided to put a pause on going to college. Her fault he had cut off half of his friends, all her fault.

Duncan watched as she turned her head away, biting her cheek and rubbing the same spot again, as he could tell she was slowly starting to panic. He just gently takes hold of her and places her on his lap as he hugs her. Comforting her hair, rocking her gently before her fast breathing lessens as she slowly calms down, her while cares and soon wraps her arms around him as well.

"I don't regret anything..." Duncan says softly as he places a gentle peck on her forehead, still in their same position as he held her. "If anything... you saved me."

"Cheeseball." She muttered as Duncan chuckled and poked her side, causing a soft yelp to come out of her. "I mean it... I mean, I regret how long it took for us to become like this, but... other than that, I don't regret it."

Courtney just nods in response and sits quietly while they continue to embrace one another.

They both knew this wasn't gonna be easy for one another. But they'd both go through ends meet, hell and back just to be together. 

No matter what.

Chapter Text

Duncan paced back and forth as he nibbled on his finger nervously while deep in thought. He was frustrated.

The sound of their doorbell ringing snaps him from his thoughts as he quickly goes to open the door, greeted with a worried duo of blondies in front of him.

"Where is she...?" Bridgette asked as he sighed and dragged them both upstairs to their bedroom door that was currently locked. "She won't even let me in..."

Bridgette gave him a sad-sympathetic smile as she squeezed his shoulder and sighed. Geoff looked at both of them, confused, but worried at the sight of the two people he cared about being more anxious than he was.

"Court..." Bridgette calls out softly as she gently knocks on the door. No response. "Court, it's me...Bridge, can I come in...?"

There was a moment of brief silence until the sound of a 'click' from the door being unlocked interrupted their thoughts. Bridgette sighed in relief as she goes to twist the door open, but pauses as she felt both boys approach the door as well before turning to face them.

"Maybe it should just be me guys..." Duncan was about to argue back until Geoff rested his hand on his best friend's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze, insinuating that he should just listen and maybe they'd get an answer. All the boy could do was grumble, but nod as he stepped back a bit, letting the blondie slip into their room as she then closes the door behind her.

She looks around and stops at the pity sight in front of her, making her heart drop.

Courtney just sat on the ground next to her shared bed with Duncan, knees close to her chest as she hid herself as if she was scared. Bridgette just slowly walks closer to her before sitting beside her, wrapping her arms around to comfort the poor girl. Her heart ached as she could hear the soft sniffles and silent sobs coming from her friend, deciding not to speak first, but to comfort her instead. Her eyes start to burn slowly as she feels Courtney's hand slowly hold onto hers as they both squeeze each other.

They remain like that for a few minutes before soon, slowly unwrapping her brunette friend as she held her in her arms. The quiet sobs soon get louder as she comforts Courtney, telling her to "let it all out..." as she soon realizes why she was crying.

her hair... it was slowly... coming off.

"Oh honey..." Bridgette says softly as she comforts her tightly. Courtney sobs as she held onto Bridgette tightly, slightly shaking as she unravelled her fist to show a small clump of hair. "T-They're coming off! Why are they coming off?!"

Courtney kept sobbing as Bridgette rocked her gently, giving her soft reassurances that it could just be a side effect from the therapy as the other cried. 

"H-he's gonna think i'm a freak!" Courtney whimpers as Bridgette shook her head, gently patting Courtney's head and she tries to shush her. "Don't say that... he loves you, Court. Loves, love you."

Both girls fail to notice both boys slightly peeking in at the sight, making them both break as they simply did not know what to do. Bridgette continued rocking as embracing her gently as she wanted to push another thought out of her head, but just couldn't.

She's also gotten a bit lighter... skinnier.

"I-I'm just a burden..." Courtney whimpered, and that was the final straw for Duncan.

He pushed the door open, his friend not even bothered to stop him, as he understood at that point why he did that. Yet it caused both girls to jump as he made his way to Courtney, a deadpanned, serious look ongot down in front of them. Courtney just tries to shakily hide herself as he grabs both of her arms. She tried his face as he  to fight him off, but he was much stronger.

Duncan pulls Courtney onto his lap as he hugs her tightly, but she still tries to fight him off as he holds onto her. Soon caving in, she sobs against his neck as her fists slowly drop onto her lap. Tears were spilling between the both of them as he continued to whisper loving words into her ear until she slowly stopped shaking.

Geoff slowly walks in as well as he and Bridgette sit beside them, also hugging Courtney as she whimpered. 

This was one of her lowest lows... was it even working? or was her body rejecting it again...

But never did she think she'd ever feel so cared for...

After an hour of them all just embracing each other and comforting one another, they realized that they had all needed that. But all that mattered to them was her... Courtney. Even Geoff, who started getting closer to her, as Duncan wouldn't go anywhere without her.

Soon, the girl had slowly fallen asleep in his lap as his friends decided to give them some time. Duncan stayed in place on the ground as he quietly thanked them both, but not without quietly mentioning not to tell her dad just yet, as he couldn't stand to watch the elder worry more once again.

Both men not thinking they'd ever get close to one another- then again even stand one another if it weren't for her. Now they were on mutual terms... a very understanding, and close relationship with one another.

Once the two were alone, Courtney slowly opens her eyes. Slightly puffy as Duncan continued to rock her gently, rubbing her back as he kept whispering sweet words into her ear.

"Don't ever scare me like that again..." Duncan whispered softly as his heart ached at those words. He kept kissing the top of her forehead as she slowly relaxed into his arms and hugged back, nodding slowly as he closed his eyes. "Don't ever call yourself a freak... or even think that I'd ever consider you a burden."

Courtney soon closes her eyes as she inhales his scent, a comforting feeling as she slowly pulls back and unravels her hand and bites her inner cheek, trying to prevent her from sobbing once more.

"I-I'm losing more..." She says quietly as he lifts her chin up, wiping her tears with his thumbs, and gives her a soft kiss on the lips, shutting her up for a brief moment. "Then let's just give you a little make over..."

She examined his face as he just caresses her damp cheeks. Her hair was getting slightly long.

"I mean... we could always bring back that bob." Duncan chuckles softly as she gives him a small smile. He takes a good look at her as he tries to gently lift her hair up, mimicking her once short hair from the past. "You'd still look just as hot."

Courtney couldn't help but sniffle out a soft giggle and nudged him as he always knew when to say the dumbest things, but at the right time to make her smile. He grinned as he felt proud of himself for making her laugh once again as he rubbed her back.

"You'd look beautiful either way, princess." He adds softly as she looks up at him, with a loving gaze, as she caresses his cheek before giving him a gentle peck on the cheek. She sighs before saying softly, "Okay... can we today...I really can't stand to see myself like this..."

Duncan nods as he lifts both of them up gently, helping her up on her feet as he checks the time.

"There's my aunts' hair salon just down two blocks away... wanna go now?" Duncan asked as she nods, reaching for his hand as he gladly takes it. Both grabbed their jackets before making their way out as he opened the door for her.

"I love you." She says softly as he squeezes her hand and gives her a soft smile. "I love you, too."

Chapter Text

Courtney chewed on her lower lip nervously as Duncan chuckled and squeezed shoulder. They had arrived at the salon that his aunt had owed, letting them know in advance that he was coming a bit past their closing time-but they didn't mind as they loved the two, and knew of her situation. So anything they'd want, his family would always be there for.

"Baby, you're gonna look beautiful." Duncan reassured her as she sighed, relaxing her shoulders a bit as she nods. "It's just... I haven't had short hair since-"

"We were 16... I know, I remembered." He chuckled as she sighs once more. Soon the older ladies approached them as Courtney sat up and made a small smile towards them. "Thank you again, for letting us come... I'm sorry on short notice..."

"Oh Courtney, don't apologize." His aunt waved her off with a small smile. "I'm glad you called, it's a good excuse for me to see my nephew who rarely calls."

She teased as Courtney giggled while the boy groans and tried to defend himself, "Hey I call you from time to time."

She snickered and ushered him to sit on the side as she turns to face Courtney with a smile. "So, honey, do you know what haircut you'd like?"

Courtney nodded as she motioned a short bob. As the two talked, Duncan couldn't help but sit back and watch fondly before being interrupted by someone sitting next to him and clearing their throat.

"Relax, you act like she's gonna run away." He turned to see Zoey chuckling as his eyes widen. "You work here?"

"Since a long time, duh." She snickered and sipped on her drink. "How've you been?"

Duncan just shrugged as he smiled back at Courtney and responds, "been good... married."

Zoey smiles as she nudged him and nods, "yeah I remembered... sorry I couldn't be there, Gwen-"

"Yeah I know." He sighed, cutting her off as he didn't wanna hear anything about her. "You?"

She shrugs as she showed him her left hand. "Not married, but still good... Mike's been going to anger management so that's good, we've been doing better. I'm glad you talked sense into him."

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle as she did as well. Suddenly the feelings changed as she asked a question he still wasn't ready to face. "How long?"

"What?" He raised an eyebrow at her as he tried to act dumbfounded, but her sympathetic look made him bite his inner cheek as he refused to come to terms with it. "Duncan... how long?"

"Why would you ask that?" He suddenly snapped as it made the girl jump back a bit startled. Courtney, overhearing a bit of his voice turns back to look at what was going on- soon locked eyes with the boy as he gives her a fake smile and waves it off. She nods, giving a small wave to Zoey before turning back and letting his aunt start the process.

"Duncan, I'm sorry it's just... look, my aunty had it. She got lucky she got to live past the year expectancy, but it didn't mean she got to live too long. I just wanted to know just so I could give some advice-" he cuts her off with a scoff and sits back crossing his arms. "I don't need your advice."

"Duncan-"

"Please, can you just leave me alone, Zoey." He grumbled as the girl just sighs and gets up. But not before turning to face him as she whispers, "don't waste any time with her while she's still here."

Soon walking away as she greets his aunt and Courtney a farewell, leaving the shop while Duncan sat there, soon drowning in his thoughts once more.

After an hour or so there, his aunt smiles as she finished her new hair. Letting Courtney see as she turns her towards the mirror, waiting for her reaction.

"What do you think, sweetie." His aunt asks as Courtney observes her new look, she will admit his aunt did do a better job at making it look cute compared to how she did it back when she was 15-16 on her own. "It's perfect."

His aunt grinned as she went over to Duncan, still in his thoughts and nudged his leg with hers, causing him to look at her.

"Come look." She instructs as he gives a small smile and approaches her. His eyes lit up as he looked at his girl's new look. Their eyes lock as she waited for him to say something. "You look... hot."

Courtney could feel her cheeks heat up as his aunt snickered. Duncan chuckles as he thanked her, about to pull out some money, but she shakes her head declaring, "family discount... on the house." Before smiling at Courtney as she pats her back.

Their drive back home was quiet, making Courtney rub between her finger and thumb while chewing on her bottom lip as she wondered if something was wrong. Usually, they would either talk about something or play music- but this time it was just pure... silence.

"Is everything ok?" Courtney asked as she reached over and placed her hand over his. She couldn't wait until they got home, she had to ask now. Duncan simply just nodded as he gave her a small fake smile. She clocked it immediately. "Don't lie."

He just sighed before pulling up to their garage and pausing to face her.

"It's just... Zoey she... she brought up something I didn't wanna think about, but now it's all that I think about." He mumbled as Courtney raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Do you mean Gwe-"

"No, to make sure I don't make you waste time or regret anything." He immediately cuts her off as he stared at her deadpanned after hearing her name. Courtney just lets out a breath of relief and a soft chuckle as she cupped his face in her hands, caressing his cheeks while he leaned against her touch. "You haven't... and I don't regret anything... remember, nobody really knows what we've done, or even went through really besides each other.., I mean I get her point , and it sounds like she's coming from a good place and heart but I can see why you reacted the way you did..."

Duncan only nods before grabbing both her hands gently and kissing her knuckles as he sighed. "You do look hot with the new look though."

Courtney just chuckles and smacks his shoulder as she smiled.

"Got me thinking some sinful things." He teased with a wink, causing her smile to drop as she rolled her eyes and stepping out of the car. Duncan face palmed himself as he groans and goes after her, defending himself once more as he whines, "what- I mean we are married now! Baby, I'm just kidding."

Chapter Text

Hi guys, I know I should mainly use this book to focus on my story, But I just wanted to promote real quick my one shot book that I just uploaded! I will be deleting this chapter within the next 24 hours!

Thank you!

Chapter Text

Duncan sighed as he stirred around on the couch, trying to sleep. After his supposed inappropriate comment earlier, Courtney had locked him out of their room, causing Duncan to sigh as he regretted it.

Little did he know, it was also making it hard for Courtney as she kept stirring in her sleep as well. Tossing and turning, she eventually sighed as she sat up in defeat. She wasn't completely upset at th boy's comment, but he knew the topic of that always made her feel insecure.

Courtney slowly slips out of bed and into her robe and house slippers as she quietly opens their room door, peeking out. There she saw the boy had his eyes closed, arms resting behind his head as he looked passed out on the couch.

"Duncan?" She whispers as she walks up to him on the couch.

No response.

"Duncan?" She tries to lightly nudge him on the side,

No budge.

Courtney frowned before spotting a spot she could fit in beside him and went to lie beside him. The comfort started coming back to her as she went to snuggle against his chest, eyes slowly starting to fade in and out as she finally fell asleep, arms draped over himdozed as she finally off to sleep.

Little did she know, her little shift in movements caused the boy to actually awake from his slumber. He slowly looks down at her, hearing her soft snores as she falls asleep against him. A small smile crept upon his face as he moved a few strands of her hair away from her face, and placed an arm around her as he, too, soon dozed off into a deep slumber due to the comfort of her beside him as well.

-next morning-

Courtney slowly woke up on the couch, she felt around and noticed she was alone on the couch, blanket draped over her shoulders. She sits up and rubs one of her eyes as she yawns, the smell of pancakes hitting her as she turns and spots Duncan's back facing her as he cooks.

As if on cue, Duncan turns with two plates full of breakfast and spots his sleepy lover finally up.

"Morning, sleepyhead. You hungry?" He asked while chuckling and placed the plates on the table as the girl nodded and got up, sitting across from him as she gave him a small smile. "Smelled good."

The two began eating in silence before he was the first to break the silence with a clear of the throat.

"I'm sorry for saying that comment last night... I know you don't wanna go into that, don't think I'm trying to usher or make fun of you, I know that was a pretty inappropriate comment to make." He looked at her as he apologized, and Courtney couldn't help but give him a small smile as she took hold of one of his hands. "That's okay... I know you didn't mean to..."

The only thing Courtney didn't realize is... he kind of did mean it. But he'd never admit it to her, he just couldn't.

It's not that, that is all he wants from her... but he does want it from her. The thought of them making love and cementing their love forever, yes, though it sounds wrong- is what he's thought of and secretly wanted.

The old Duncan would just take it as just a smash, but to him right now, he wanted to actually make love to her. Show her how much he loves her in all types of ways, not just some physical activity between two people. Yet he didn't know how to express that without coming off as two things. Either- as if that's all he's been wanting from her, or that's all he thinks of her. He had no idea what she would think or say if he ever actually talked to her about it, and that's what made him double think and step back from the thought.

"You know I love you, right?" Duncan asked as she squeezed his hand in response. Giving him a genuine smile as she nods as well. "I love you too."

He tried to think of other things to distract him, before the sound of someone knocking on their door cut it off. He gets up to check and sighed in relief as it was the right person to distract him from these thoughts- Courtney's father. Duncan opens the door and greets the man as Courtney gets up and goes to hug her father.

"Hi Dad, what're you doing here?" She asked as he smiled at her new hairdo and checked his watch, "I thought i'd come by and take you to your next appointment, if that's good with you two?"

Courtney looked at her lover as he nodded and gave a thumbs up to the elder man.

"Of course... i'll pick you up after?" Duncan says as the girl nods and sat back down to finish her food. Mr Satella then faces Duncan as he cleared his throat, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

The boy nods as the two stepped out into the balcony, shutting the screen door behind them so that the girl wouldn't hear as they stood outside.

"What's up?" Duncan asked as Mr Satella sighed, "your dad called..."

It was as if all the boy could hear a static and bringing while the older man explained what he had found out. He felt as if he wanted to and everything out and faced the outskirts view as he didn't know what to say.

" You... Have to tell her." Mr Satella stated as he stood beside the boy. At first saying nothing, before placing a hand on the boy shoulder. " I know how hard this has been on you as well."

Duncan couldn't help but feel his eyes start to burn as his fist clenched.

" it doesn't matter how I feel, what matters is the fact that she's starting to regain hope again. And now what? Just for me to crush it." Duncan spat as the older man sighed and squeezed his shoulder. The boy just shuts his eyes tightly before muttering, "how much longer..."

At first Mr Satella didn't want to say, he just wanted his baby to live out the rest of her time as much as she could before it was too late. Yet the look on the boys face convinced him otherwise.

"Until next summer." And with that, he felt his whole being shatter all over again.

They were back at square one.

Chapter Text

Courtney couldn't help but feel giddy as they walked through the tsa line, holding their tickets while Duncan had pulled both their luggages and bags through the line. Though he was secretly struggling with the weight of her items, he couldn't help but smile at his lovers child-like excitement.

"I can't believe we're really going Hawaii, Duncan, you don't know how long i've been wanting to go." Courtney beams with excitement as the boy chuckles. "Is this on your list as well?"

The girl nodded quickly as they were almost to the front.

No, he had not yet told the girl the unexpected news he had heard two nights ago, and it was killing him. But he just couldn't dim her lights yet.

As they approached the front, Courtney gathered their things to be ready: passports, IDs, and tickets. Though she would've originally been upset by the last-minute surprise, she couldn't help but beam with excitement whens out of the country. She's always wanted to travel, but due to her condition, her father was always worried about her leaving. So to her surprise, when Duncan had surprised her with tickets two nights ago and acknowledged her father's approval, he had realizing it wa pre-planned, she couldn't help but get very excited for their plans.

Once passing through their check, they went down the ramps, looking for their gate as the girl checked her watch. 'Two hours on the dot early, perfect.' She thought while going over to hold the boy's hand as she secretly giggled while watching him struggle from time to time with their bags.

"Are you sure you can hold all of it?" Courtney chuckled as the boy tried waving it off, "nah, it's not a struggle. This is nothing to me."

Liar.

"Thank you again, baby." Courtney cooed as she pecked his cheek, suddenly bringing back all the energy in Duncan as he grinned and winked at her. "Let's just enjoy ourselves from now till next week while we're there, okay?"

Courtney nodded as they finally found their gate, setting their things down and thinking of what to eat.

"Hungry?" Duncan asked as if on cue, her stomach growled as she nodded. Duncan could only chuckle as he looked around before noticing a burger spot not too far from where they were sitting. "I'll get us some burgers, watch the bags, i'll be back okay?"

The girl nods, pecking his lips lightly as he smiled before grabbing his wallet and walking away quickly so he wouldn't take too long. Courtney chuckles softly as she watched him speed-walk before pulling out her phone to update her father.

"Hi daddy, just letting you know we got to our gate safely!" 

dad: "that's good, sweetheart. did you eat yet?"

"not yet, but duncan's getting us lunch right now."

dad: "good, don't forget to keep taking your meds, ok? and let him know to give me a call later."

"how come?"

-read-

Before Courtney could respond, someone bumps into her leg as she gasps but cooed at the little girl that had ran into her. The little one giggled as she slowly gets up, mother rushing right after as she immediately apologizes to Courtney while picking up her little girl.

"Oh my god, I am so sorry." The older lady says in embarrasement as the little girl giggled and hid behind Courtney's other leg from her mother. Courtney couldn't help but giggle as she waved them off and smiled, "It's okay, she's so cute."

The mother just gave her a small smile as she mouths at her daughter to come over, yet the little girl just shakes her head and hides.

"Abby come on, mommy needs to pee, let's go." The lady groans as the little girl giggles, shaking her head once more. Courtney chuckles as she looked up at the lady, "I mean... I know this might seem odd, especially since you don't know me but i can watch her for you. The bathroom is right in front of us and I'll make sure she stays right here."

The mother bit her lip nervously as that was true, Courtney was a complete stranger; but the bathroom is just right there and she rather trusts another female than anyone else.

"I'm so sorry, thank you, i'll be real quick." The mother sighed as she runs off across to the bathroom, soon the little girl peeking out as she giggled. Courtney sighs but chuckles as she looks down between her legs, locking eyes with the cute baby and holds out her arms.

"Come here, it's dirty there." Courtney cooed as the little girl got up and into Courtney's arms. She placed the little girl on her lap as the girl giggled and sucked her thumb. She looked no older than three years old, asian with nice long black hair and little bangs.

"Why're you being naughty to your mommy?" Courtney cooed as the baby just giggles and babbles nonsense, making Courtney giggle as sh fixed her hair.

Duncan raised an eyebrow as he came back with the food, spotting his wife with a mystery child as he eyed them out. Yet smiled as he watched her eyes twinkle while playing with her.

"Um... is there something you need to tell me?" Duncan teasingly snickered as she playfully rolled her eyes, but smiled at the food. "Her mom went to the bathroom, this one right here kept sticking with me so i just offered to watch her while her mom went to use the bathroom."

"Wow, she trusts a stranger?" Duncan raised an eyebrow as Courtney nudged him and rolled her eyes, blantly pointing out, "Us ladies need to stick together, Duncan."

As Courtney ate and lightly rocked the baby, she quickly fell out on her lap as the mother approached them. Cooing at the sight as Courtney waves her over. 

"Thank you so much." The mother says with a smile as she gently takes her sleepy daughter back in her arms. "No worries, she's such a cutie."

"You're really good with babies." The mother smiled as did Courtney, "Thank you. Are you guys going Hawaii also?"

The older lady nodded as Courtney continued eating, feeling the eyes of Duncan as he watched them while stuffing his face down also. 

"We actually live there, so we're technically headed back home." The older lady stated as she rocked her baby, letting her sleep in her arms. Courtney's eyes widened as she sat up. "Really, oh, that must be really nice! We're staying there for a week so we're quite excited."

"Aw, newlyweds?" The lady cooed as they both nodded, "Well, if you ever need any advice or guide, you can always give me a call."

The lady hands Courtney her number as the girl grinned, happy that she had already formed some kind of familiar bond with someone from the island. Three wave farewell to eachother before letting the mom walk away with her child back to their seat.

Courtney smiled to herself as she continued eating, before a sudden rush of sadness hit her as she realized something. Duncan was about to ask her if she wanted the last piece of fry, before examining her face as he noticed something off.

"Hey... you ok?" He asked as he gently grabbed hold of her hand, squeezing it as she sighed and gave him a sad smile. "Y-yeah, I just... something just came up, and I don't know why it's making me sad."

If there was one thing the two noticed while being together, it'd be how well their communication skills also had improved. Learning not to get mad at one another, but to express their feeling first, and then talk about it. No secrets, no outbursts, just hearing eachother out.

"What is it?" Duncan asked as he sipped their drink, making her sip as well before placing it down as he fully faced her. Letting her know that she has his full attention. Courtney just lets out a half chuckle as she sighed and sat back, still holding his hand in hers. "it's stupid..."

"Princess." He calls her, staring at her seriously as he didn't like whenever she said that, "Clearly there's something bothering you, what is it? It's not stupid."

Courtney just looks at him for a moment, examining his face as he looks at her, confused, but serious, wanting to know what was on her mind. Her cheeks started burning up as she thought of what to say and how to say it, making Duncan raise an eyebrow at her sudden shift in reaction but still goes in for another bite of his burger.

"What is it-"

"I want a baby." Courtney mumbled as he started choking on his burger, bewildered by her comment, as Courtney immediately pats his back and grabs their drink to make him sip and help take the food down easier. Once he finally finishes his coughing fit, his face heats up as he stares at her wide eyed. "What did you just say?"

Courtney whines, not wanting to repeat her sentence as Duncan examines her still, bright pink face.

"You do know how babies are made right?" Duncan choked out as she quickly covers his mouth, ears turning bright pink from her now as she groans and covers her face after. "can you please stop."

Suddenly, the boy just perks up as he shrugs and smirks, leaning back.

"I mean, I'm not complaining." He winked as she smacked his chest, making him chuckle. But soon snaps out of it as he sits up and grabs both her hands, lifting her chin to look at him. "But you do know that's a big commitment, princess. Are you sure?"

The girl bit her bottom lip as she hesitated, but nodded. She knew she didn't have much time left- not knowing how much since he hadn't told her yet- but she knew one thing.

She wanted to leave him with a memory of her.

Chapter Text

Once it was their time of departure, Courtney's sudden excitement soon turned into nervousness as she bit her inner cheek. Rubbing between her fingers and thumb as the two walked down the aisle, trying to look for their seats.

It was the first time she's ever been on a plane and she couldn't help but feel the nerves rush onto her as she gently held onto the bottom of Duncan's shirt from behind like a little kid holding onto their parent, not wanting to be lost as she tried not to panic.

"Alright, here we are." Duncan sighed in relief as he began hoisting both their luggage up into the compartment, as Courtney quickly slipped by and sat down, immediately buckling into her seatbelt by the window, as Duncan finished up, soon sitting beside her. He looked over and noticed the girl chewing on her bottom lip nervously, making him chuckle as he grabbed hold of her hand in his and. Rubbing her knuckles to soothe her nerves before buckling up as well, squeezed gently after sliding their bags underneath their seats. "Don't worry, princess. We'll be just fine."

"Have you seen the final destination movies?" Courtney blurts out nervously as the boy couldn't help but chuckle and squeeze her hand once more. "Babe, that's just a movie. Don't say that, we'll be fine."

"How can you be so sure?" She rambled on as he cooed and threw one arm around her shoulder, pulling her head gently onto his shoulder as she sighed and closed her eyes. "Sorry it's just... i'm nervous, you know?"

Duncan nods as he kissed her forehead, feeling her slowly relax against his shoulder as she sighed.

"You can squeeze my hand as tight as you want to when we take off." Duncan reassures as she nods and holds onto his hand tightly.

As their flight was about to take off, Courtney had made sure both their seatbelts were tightly secured before grabbing hold of his hand with hers and sitting back, shutting her eyes and taking a deep breath. She couldn't help but feel anxious as she heard the engine of the plane start, immediately squeezing the boy's hand while waiting for their flight to take off.

"Princess." Duncan whispers as he tries to distract her. Her only response was a soft hum as Duncan chuckled and rubbed her knuckles with his thumb, "I promise we're gonna be safe. And just think, in seven hours we'll be landing in Hawaii. You can watch the beautiful sunsets, we can walk down the beach, explore the island."

Courtney tries slowing her breathing technique as she slowly looks at him with a soft smile at their plans. "I-I'd like that..."

"Yeah?" Duncan smiles back as he lifts her hand to place a gentle kiss on the tips of her knuckles. The plane starts lifting off as he could feel her nails digging into his hand. Though it did cause a small bit of pain, he tries to pretend it doesn't bother him as he continues. "We get to stay in one of their hotels, maybe even get room service. Have all the time to ourselves..."

Courtney closes her eyes as she can feel the pressure against her chest from the takeoff, but smiles at his words as she can just imagine their first time together, separate from their parents. He was indeed helping her calm her nerves as she slowly opened her eyes once they were no longer angled up, but now, just flying.

"I'm excited." Courtney whispers as she gently lets go of his hand, feeling bad for squeezing so tightly- yet he holds her hand tightly in his, reassuring that it was okay.

"You'd look beautiful with a flower in your hair too." He chuckled as the girl smiled as pecked his cheek. "Thank you..."

He smiled back as he continued giving comforting rubs to her knuckles as she slowly leans down, resting her head on his shoulder, as he gently rested his head on top of hers.

"Let's just get some rest for now so that we can be up when we land.Make time go faster, right?" He whispered as she nodded underneath him. Her eyes slowly closed as the two slowly drifted into a little slumber.

-Seven hours later-

"Baby... baby." Courtney slowly wakes up, yawning while rubbing her eyes as she sits up. Duncan, who had woken up 10 minutes before her, points out the window as she turns to look at the view. "Wow..."

She couldn't help but stare brightly at the island as they were landing, excitement suddenly rushing back as she grins back at him before pulling out her phone to snap a picture to send to her father.

"We're here." Courtney mumbles happily as the two look at each other with giddy expressions. This was a first for both of them- being out of the country on their own.

Duncan couldn't help but admire the girl as he quietly pulls out his phone and snaps a photo of her excitement out the window.

"What do we do first?" Courtney asked as they land. The boy hums as he thought about it and points out, "after we get our luggages, we go and get the car. Then we can just drive straight to Sheraton and check in."

"Oh my gosh, we're staying at Sheraton? I heard they're always booked and busy?" Courtney gasped as Duncan chuckles and shrugs smugly, "Might've pulled a few strings here or there."

Courtney squealed as she grips his hand tightly once feeling the plane land. That gut-dropping feeling creeping up again as she took  in a deep breath as they landed.

Once off the plane, the two immediately went looking for their bags as the girl pulls up her weather app. Just wanting to make sure that today remained bright and sunny as she'd hope for.

"Alright princess." Duncan groaned as he dragged their luggages over, "too many people."

Courtney chuckled as she took her luggage this time, both holding hands as they walked over to their designated shuttle that was supposed to take them to their car rental place. They waited for a few minutes as the shuttle pulls up, getting in as they looked out the window stoked.

"First thing I wanna do though is take a bath." Courtney admits as she sighed and sat back. Duncan chuckles as he nods and rests his arm around her shoulders, checking the time as he scratched his head. "Time difference is crazy."

The girl couldn't help but snort at his reaction as she shakes her head.

"Of course it is, we're in a completely different country, Duncan." She points out as he playfully rolls his eyes and sits back. Not too long, they arrive at their destination, lugging around their luggage as they make their way to the font desk to sign forms before retrieving their vehicle.

They didn't care what brand or model to get, picking out a blue mazda c6 as they put their luggages in before heading off to their hotel.

"It's your first time travelling, right?" Duncan questions as he drove. Courtney nods while pulling up their GPS as she smiles. "First time flying, first time out of the country."

"Glad to know i'd be your first for everything." Duncan wriggled his eyebrows at her as she rolls her eyes, cheeks slightly flushed as she slapped his shoulder gently. "Shut up."

"Your words earlier, princess. Not mine." He points out with a wink as the girl groans and covers her face from exposing more of her blush-stained cheeks. "You're annoying."

"You love me." He corrected as he reached to grab ahold of the girl's hands and kissed them, making Courtney smile softly as she giggles. "Whatever."

After their 20 minute drive, they finally make it to their hotel. Courtney couldn't help but grin as she pulls out her phone to take more pictures to show their parents and Bridgette. They gather their luggages after parking and lug it down, admiring the views and sand sculptures around as the girl took more countless photos.

"Come on, let's check in." Duncan chuckled as Courtney snaps out of her daze and nods, pulling  out their reservation email as well as their IDs . Making sure they had everything set and ready so that they wouldn't stay long in the checking in process.

As the girl began checking in with the front desk employee, Duncan couldn't help but pull out his phone as he sees a few notifications from their parents.

mom: hi honey! let me know when you guys land safely, and send pictures!

dad: No worries, glad I got to get my buddy to give you a discount at Sheraton. Gladys and I  had our honeymoon there.

Courtney's dad: did you tell her yet?

Courtney's dad: Son, she must know soon.

Courtney's dad: unless you want me to do it.

Duncan bit his bottom lip as he immediately responds to her fathers' messages. He certainly did not want him to tell her as he reassured the older male that he would. After a few minutes of the girl not noticing, she turns around and grins, flashing them their key cards as the boy puts up a fake smile.

"You okay?" Courtney asks as she quickly could tell the boys' sudden mood switch, her smile slowly dropping as he shook his head and puts up a genuine smile. "Yeah, just got a bit dizzy for a moment. Probably a bit plane sick."

Courtney cooed as she rubbed his back gently, sighs and nods as she locks arms with him.

"We can just rest for today and order room service." She suggests as the boy looked at her with a pitiful look. Now he felt bad. Courtney cooe as she shakes her head and waves him off. "It's okay, babe, it is 6:05pm already. Plus it does sound nice at least our first night, take a nice warm bath, order room service and all snuggled up in bed? Oh, and we could rent a movie!"

Courtney's eyes light up as she kept coming up with ideas, making the boy crack a small smile as he kissed the side of her head and chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan."

"Plus..." Courtney trails off as they walked towards the elevator, turning away from him so he couldn't see her pink and flustered cheeks as he followed. "We do have a whole bunch of privacy."

It took Duncan a few minutes to process what the girl had meant by that as he stared at her dumbfoundedly, before soon putting two in two together as he quickly starts pressing on the elevator button to come down, making the girl laugh. But not him. Duncan raised an eyebrow as he eyed out all six elevators- where the hell is the elevator?

Courtney chuckles as she watched him in amusement, smiling as she felt confident in herself for creating that reaction out of him.

Once the elevator doors finally come down and open, he immediately grabs both luggages and her bag as he pulls them both in. Pressing the close button multiple times, ignoring if there was people approaching as he felt impatient. As the doors shut, he also presses their room floor, making Courtney giggle but also have that pit of nervousness in her stomach.

"Sorry." Duncan chuckled nervously as he mumbled and rubbed the back of his neck flustered when seeing her reaction. He could feel the lump in his throat and the tightness in his- he immediately turns his head to face her. Examining her facial reactions as he moves a strand away from her face to behind her ears as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, making the girl sigh more relaxed as she closed her eyes. She looks up at him, also examining his demeanor as she hesitates before asking, "This... If we do... do it... it's not just because you feel like you have to or feel like you just need it out of your system, right?"

He raised an eyebrow at her rambling nonsense as he cupped her face in his hands and shook his head.

"You're not just something or someone I wanna do it with just to get out of my system or anything like that, Courtney." She bit her bottom lip, lowkey peeping as the numbers go up to their floor slowly before looking back at him with an expression neither of them had give before. "Then what am I?"

"You're someone I wanna make love with."

Chapter Text

Courtney bit down on her bottom lip as she stared into his eyes with a glint of something Duncan has never seen before. She was about to open her mouth to see something before the sound of the elevator dinging breaks them apart as they realize they had to hit the floor.

The to make their way to their room in silence but with the hint of something in between. Couldn't help but smile as she thought about what the boy had said to her. Giving butterflies in her stomach as she kept replaying the words over and over.

As she hands over the room key to Duncan, letting him swipe it over as they enter their room. Both of their eyes widening as the examine how nice not only their sweet was, but also the view.

"Wow.." Courtney says softly as she removes her shoes and begins looking around the room, Duncan following shortly behind as he goes to place their luggage is aside and joins her as they walk to their balcony. They were borders on either side, providing them privacy between themselves and the people next to them.

"This looks beautiful." Courtney smiled as Duncan stood behind the girl on their balcony, basking in the beautiful view and sunset as he couldn't help but admire his lover.

Yet, the hormonal thoughts kept playing over and over in his head as he tries shaking them off. He didn't wanna scare her, or make her feel pressured. But boy, had he been patiently waiting for this moment.

Courtney looked back at him as she felt his gaze, wrapping her arms around his neck as he held onto her waist.

"I'm gonna take a bath now... w-wanna join?" She tried to say confidently, but shyly as Duncan chuckles and rubs her waist gently, making shivers run down her spine. "Are you sure?"

She nods, leaning up to peck his lips lightly as she walks back inside quickly into the bathroom, not wanting him to see her face turn as red as a tomato as she kept replaying what she had just asked in her mind. Courtney tries shaking it off as well, looking through the mirror as she stared at herself, biting her bottom lip. She never had any intimate thoughts, or intentions as she always thought they were sinful -as her daddy puts it. But then it clicked to her... they are technically married, and technically by god, they hadn't done anything sinful and had in fact saved until marriage.

Courtney groans at herself as she placed her hand below her stomach, feeling an interesting feeling she's never quite experienced before as she gently pressed down near her private part making her gasp. What is this feeling?

She immediately breaks free from her thoughts as she snaps out of it once more and sighs, slowly stripping out of her clothes, folding them neatly, and placing them aside as she turns on the water with a few pumps of soap as she preps the bath for them. Then proceeding to look at her body as she bit her bottom lip upon just looking at herself in her undergarments, thinking to herself, 'What if he doesn't like me like this? What if he doesn't have a good time with me? Wha-'

"Baby-?" Duncan walks in the bathroom, breaking her anxious thoughts while holding up her bag as he pauses in front of the door. Her back to him as they locked eyes through the mirror. Her eyes widening as she shyly covers her chest- though still in a bra as Duncan's eyes were dead set on her.

'Yeah. She's gonna be the death of me.' Duncan thought as he couldn't help from eye her up and down as he had never seen her that exposed. He was utterly mesmerized.

"D-duncan!" Courtney calls out, snapping him from his hormonal thoughts as her face heats up, still blocking her chest and legs as he cleared his throat, ignoring the thoughts and the tightness in his pants as he chuckles softly. "I just came to ask if you wanted me to prep your pajamas for you but... I think I like this more."

Duncan couldn't help but smirk as he walked up to her, slowly removing her arms from blocking her entire body as he cooed and whistled.

"Don't ever cover yourself around me, princess." He reassured her as she looked away, a mix of that weird feeling inside and shyness as he gently turned her face to look at him, locking eyes with her as he stared at her with a mix of lust and seriousness in his eyes. "D-do I look-"

"Beautiful." He cuts her off, knowing she'd say something insulting towards herself as he hated that. To him, he'd never stop reminding her how beautiful she was to him- since she also hates whenever he says hot, so beautiful is the next best thing. Courtney whines as she gently smacks his chest before turning as she leaned over to turn off the bath. 

Duncan couldn't help by check her out as he leaned against the wall, trying to play it cool- but boy, did he just want to devour her on the spot.

"Mind if I still join?" Duncan asked as the girl blushes a deep shade of pink and nods, "B-but you gotta get out of your clothes too..."

Duncan couldn't help but snort as he chuckled, "I know baby, I've bathed before."

She frowns at his sarcastic comment, making him coo as he walks up to her and cups her face to give her a soft kiss to the forehead. "I'm sorry, baby, you know I was just teasing."

Courtney hits his chest once more gently before stepping back, letting the boy undress as she was no better than him- she eyed him out as well. Watching him remove his shirt, exposing his toned chest and arms with tattoos on them, before unbuckling his belt to remove his pants.

Oh, he for sure could feel her gaze just piercing through him as he tried playing it cool. After a few minutes of them just silently undressing, the girl turns around, biting her inner cheek as she slowly undoes her bra, setting it aside before slowly reaching down to remove her last piece of garment. 

Duncan secretly watched as he too removed the last few pieces of garment as he tried shaking his thoughts, not wanting to scare her with him getting turned on just watching her.

'Just keep holding on, Duncan.' He kept trying to think, trying to suppress the urge to attack her as he finished undressing. Soon, they both step into the bath, soap covering their bodies as Duncan leans back against the back of the tub and sighs, enjoying the warmth. Tilting his head back against the wall with his eyes closed as he enjoyed himself. 

Courtney on the other hand, couldn't help but still examine Duncan's nude features as she bit down on her bottom lip. Since when did I ever have these thoughts? She pondered before trying to encourage herself as she slowly made her way closer to him. She watched as he still had his eyes closed, leaning back against the back of the tub, before reaching over to him.

She placed her hands gently on his shoulders as he slowly opened his eyes, humming to see if she needed anything, until getting cut off as she leaned down and kissed him. His eyes widen when she moves herself on top of his lap, snaking her arms around his neck as they kissed. 

She's gonna be the actual death of me.

Courtney slowly pulls away once realizing that he hadn't moved as she thought, maybe she came off too strong- before pausing a bit of a gap between them as he locked eyes with her. He examines her face, cupping one cheek gently as he licked his lips. 

"Are you sure?" He asked once more in a low tone, making her shudder from under his touch as she too, licks her lips and nods. Before she got to confirm with him verbally, he immediately pulled her back onto his lap as their lips smashed hungrily against one another. They made out in the bath as they both clung onto one another. 

Duncan couldn't help but admit- he was impressed. For someone who'd never made out before, the girl sure knew all the right things to do. His hands snake around her waist, pulling her closer, making their bodies press against one another. Every movement they made, created a small wave in the bath as they continued to kiss like there was no tomorrow.

After a few minutes, they slowly pull away, gasping for breath as they looked at eachothers' slightly swollen lips from their intense make out session.

"How far do you wanna go..?" Duncan breathed out as he wanted to make sure to only do what she wanted, he was just enjoying every moment with her as her cheeks were tinted pink. "A-all the way... I trust you."

That was all the boy needed to hear before gently pulling her back onto his lap as he begins to slowly eye-smash her in his mind, down her body, making the girl feel shy and submissive under his touch. His hands gently caressing down her body, from her shoulders, down to her sides and up to her thighs, making her bite down on her bottom lip to suppress a moan.

He shook his head, using his thumb to gently remove her bottom lip from her mouth as he gently rubs her thighs. "Don't be shy... that's how I know you're comfortable and enjoying this..."

Courtney nods slowly as she does the same, face turning more of a deeper pink as her hand moves lower past his stomach, making his breath hitch.

"D-does that feel good?" She ask shyly as he nods, groaning once she feels her getting closer and closer to his area. Courtney licks her lips as she gently reaches down and wraps her hand around it, eyes widening as she felt it stiffen from just her touch. She looks at him for approval as he nods, wrapping his hand around hers as he guides her on how to stroke it. She copies his actions, soon doing it on her own as he moans deeply from her touch and tilts his head back, "Fuck, princess."

She suddenly felt a large feeling of confidence, watching him cave into her movements before stroking faster. Watching him twitch from under her touch as she leans over and starts kissing him passionately, as she continues, soon getting the hang of it.

"God baby, you're doing so good." He breathed out, making her smile softly as she kept going. Though her movements were surely those of a rookie, it still didn't matter as just her doing it alone was what kept him wanting more. He stops her, not wanting to finish quickly as he switches places with her. Letting the girl sit back against the tub as he licked his lips.

"Want me to return the favor?" He asks as she shyly nods. He felt the girl slowly spread her legs as he moved close. His hands moved down from her shoulders, to her breasts, which made her extra sensitive, downighs as he slowly moved higher up close to her private area. Making her breath hitch as she moans softly, also tipping her head back as she shakil to her inner thy grips onto both sides of the bathtub. 

He smirked as he slowly moved close to her sensitive spot. Licking his lips, he placed one finger against it. He swipes one finger over, making her gasp as she locked eyes with him. Duncan groans as he swipes over once more, feeling her needs as he presses one against it, making the girl whimper from his touch.

"Just relax, baby... I promise it'll be good." He reassures her as she nods, trying to relax as he begins, slowly rubbing in a counter-clockwise position, making her back arch. She clings onto him, locking eyes with him as he pushes a finger in her heated part.

"O-oh my god." She moaned out loud, gripping his shoulders as he too felt himself get harder and harder as he watched her grind against his fingers.

"You're doing so well baby, can you take one more?" He says softly, examining her reaction as he smirked once seeing her nod. He slowly dips in another finger in her, making her moan out loud as he leans over to her, kissing down her neck- causing goosebumps to spread across her.

Courtney couldn't help grasping the situation as her ears heated up. There she was, literally riding his fingers and watching him mark her body- it did turn her on. Especially when he praises her.

"Duncan..." She breathes out, causing the boy to hum from her chest as he left marks down her body. "M-more... please."

He pauses and looks up at her, raising an eyebrow. "As in...?"

"I... I want to feel you." She says shyly, still riding his fingers as he chuckles and pauses his movements, making the girl whine. "What do you mean by that, princess?"

Courtney whines as she hides her face in the crook of his neck, feeling a mix of turned on but embarrassed as he chuckled.

"I thought you wanted to take it slow, baby?" He asks as she nods, but looks up at him with lust-filled eyes, making his member twitch beneath her. "Just... gently."

Duncan licked his lips as he nodded, slowly pulling his fingers out as he held her up against his hardened member, making the girl lick her lips as she watched him stare at her, dazed and just as lust-filled as she was.

"If it hurts, just tell me to stop, okay?" He says in a serious tone as she slowly nods. He rubs his tip against her heated oven, biting her bottom lip before whimpering as he slowly pushes into her.

"Fuck, baby." Duncan groans around her tightness as Courtney shuts her eyes tightly and whimpers at the new feeling inside of her. Every inch he went in deeper, he always paused and looked at her for approval.

"God." Courtney whimpers as he goes in deeper and deeper each time, making her scratch down his back as she tries to take in as much as she can. 

"Fuck... you're taking this so well, princess." Duncan's moan turns into praise as he pauses once entering, making the girl moan louder as he begins to slowly thrust in and out of her. At this point, some water splashes out of the tub as he continues through each thrust, making the girl get more sensitive and moan out loud once he grips her hips. He presses his lips into hers as Duncan licks to praise her, quickly licks her bottom lip for more access.

"Look at you..." He breathes out, rubbing her sides as he holds her up and guides her on how to ride. She slowly starts bouncing on top after getting down the routine, making them both curse and moan out loud.

'So this is what it's like.' Courtney thought as she clings onto him, kissing down his neck as they matched each other's pace intimately.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered, making the girl sit up as she slowly began to ride on her own, making the boy moan and groan like crazy. She loved the feeling she was experiencing, lust and power as she watched the effect she had on him. "Am I doing good?"

Duncan's thoughts were all dazed as he was going nuts from how fast she caught on.

"Princess, you're perfect." He praised, turning her on even more as she whimpered and threw her head back in pleasure as they kept going. "You're taking this all so good, baby."

"D-duncan." She whimpers as she keeps bouncing, his thrusts meeting up with her as she feels a knot in her stomach, and as if she had the sudden urge to pee. But it was something else... she was close.

"Yes, baby?" He muttered, squeezing one of her breasts as she moaned louder. "I-I think I'm gonna pee."

Duncan couldn't help but chuckle at her innocence  as he cooed and smirked, "No baby... that means you're about to finish."

She looked at him, slightly confused, yet kept riding as he watched her quite amused.

"Just let it out, baby" he whispered against her ear, thrusting up faster and harder once getting her approval. Courtney- who at this point was practically screaming in pleasure, digs her nails deep into his shoulders as she continues to ride out till the end. "God, you're so good." 

Every praise he gave, edged her on and on as she whimpers softly.

"Be a good girl and finish." He says in a low voice, making her whimper and nod as she rocked back and forth, making them both throw their head back in pleasure as she kept going before soon dropping into his arms as she finished around him. Duncan groans before hitting her spot a few more times as he finishes.

Both were trying to catch their breaths as Courtney couldn't help but squirm upon feeling him twitch inside of her, making him chuckle. He moves a strand of hair away from her face as he lightly kisses her forehead, still inside of her.

"Did you feel good, baby...?" Duncan breathes out as she lays her head against his shoulder and nods slowly. "So that's what that's like.." 

Duncan chuckles softly as he nods, licking his lips as he felt like fireworks exploded in him for finally doing it before getting cut off as her next line was not what he had expected-

"Wanna go again?"

Chapter Text

"Woah there, princess." Duncan chuckled as he helped Courtney out of the bath. She was stumbling a bit after their previous session. As Duncan kept rethinking her last three words spoken to him momentarily ago. Deep in thought, he wraps a towel around his waist before handing one to her.

"Wanna go again?"

He smirked to himself as he felt proud of himself for finally accomplishing what he's been dying to do and the fact that he got to satisfy the girl up to her standards.

"What're you smiling about?" Courtney teased as she wrapped herself with a towel, sighing that she finally got to bathe after that long flight. The boy just snickered as he wrapped his arms around her waist, letting her do the same around his neck as he shrugged. "Just thinking."

"About...?" She cocks her head to the side, raising an eyebrow as she examined his face, trying to read him. "Just.. this, us."

"Oh... you didn't have a good time?" She muttered, frowning as he immediately waved his hands and frowned at the girl jumping to conclusions. "No! Hell no, far from it baby, you did very well. Trust me, I too, would like to go again."

She felt her cheeks heat up at remembering what she had previously said, but smiled softly as she leaned up and pecked his lips. "Then what?"

"Just... you make me happy." He muttered, he hated saying things that make him cringe. But he couldn't help but also feel a sense of comfort and happiness that he hasn't really felt before until meeting her. No, not just because he finally got to smash, but he just wanted to remind her of how he really felt. Courtney felt a sense of butterflies in her stomach as she reached and caressed his cheek. Smiling happily at him as she moved a piece of his damp hair away from his face. "You make me happy as well."

Man, she drives me crazy.

In a swift movement, he carries the girl bridal style to their bed before placing her down gently as he stares at her- not in just a lustful, sinful way. But just wanting to admire her beneath him before looking up at her pink-stained cheeks, trying to look away from feeling flustered.

"Still up to your word?" He teased as the girl whined and covered her face shyly. Duncan chuckles softly as he removes the girl's hands from her face and places a soft but loving kiss on her lips. The two move slowly as she cups his face and smiles softly between their lips.

Soon, their loving kiss once more turns heated as he licks her bottom lip for access. She complies by opening a bit, giving him what he needs as their tongues battle for dominance. In another swift movement, he tosses her towel aside before she gets rid of his as well. Both lying against one another, nude, once more, as his hands travel down her body, causing the girl to shudder beneath his touch.

"You sure you're okay to go again?" Duncan pulls away a bit to ask, chuckling softly. Instead of responding, she just pulls him back to continue their kiss as she quickly flips them over. Catching him off guard once she is on top, straddling him while moving her lips down his neck. She proceeds to try and mimic how he had done to her, leaving a mark on his neck as she tries to do so, making him groan as he held onto her waist, the girl responding by slowly grinding on top. "Fuck, slow down babe."

She couldn't help but giggle softly as she pulled away gently, smiling to herself when she saw the slight bruise on his neck.

"You did it?" He asks as she nods proudly, cooing at her reaction as he rubs her hips and admires her. "Good girl."

They proceed to tease each other as his lips moved down to take one of her nipples in his mouth, making Courtney gasp softly as she tangles her fingers through his hair, tugging at the ends, making him moan as well.

She continues to grind down, smiling to herself when she feels something beneath her poking at her. The two continue to make out once more as he moves her hips for more friction, causing the two to become a moaning mess as they clung onto one another.

They didn't want to just get straight to the point, but wanted to pleasure one another first, as that was their goal. He flips them over once more, causing him to be on top as he moves his lips down her body.

"You're so beautiful." He muttered while making sure to leave not one part of her unmissed, while watching the girl squirm beneath him in pleasure as she gripped his hair. "Duncan..."

"I'm in love with you." He continues to praise her as the two lock eyes in a mix of love and lust between one another. She pulls him into another deep kiss as he positions himself near her entrance. He pulls away slightly, looking at her as he whispers, "Let me know when to go okay?"

She nods, pulling him back in as he slowly pushes his way inside. He could feel her grip his hair tightly as she scrunched her nose. As they continue to make out as a distraction, he pauses and waits for her to slowly relax and nods, letting him know she has adjusted, before he continues to move in and out of her slowly. Soon, the pain turns into pleasure as she moans softly against his lips.

He groans as well when feeling her hips buck up against him, signalling for him to go faster as he hesitates for a moment- not wanting to hurt her, before going once she continues to do the same. Both are moving their bodies in sync as she scratches down his back, making him groan and encouraging him to continue the same movements.

However, the sound of one of their phones ringing snaps him out as he slows down and notices her father calling her phone. He tries to stop as she whines and wraps her arms and legs around him, trapping him, making the boy chuckle as he was still thrusting but just not to what the girl had wanted.

"Baby, it's your dad." He pointed out as she whines, cheeks still pink as she licked her lips. "Then we'll be quick, I'll call him after."

Duncan snickered and smirked down at her. He knew that they should answer the phone, but couldn't help but get more turned on by how desperate she seemed to want to keep going.

"Right, quick." He teased before watching the call soon turn into a 'one missed call' notification, and continues to go back to his fast rhythmic pace, making Courtney gasp and moan as she left her arms and legs wrapped around him.

"Right there." She moaned out, making him angle a certain way as he listened and went at a quicker pace. Courtney whimpered underneath his touch as she felt herself get more and more sensitive, at this point, leaving many marks down the boy's back. He hissed at the pain, but didn't stop nonetheless, as he too was reaching his breaking point.

After a few more thrusts, the two finish in sync, her back arching as he pushes in deeply, a few more pumps while watching her shudder beneath him. He chuckles softly when looking down at her, out of breath as they both breathe heavily.

He quickly reaches for their towel as he wipes her down, carrying her back into the bath to clean themselves off as she smiles softly at his aftercare.

"Now i'll call him back." She says softly as Duncan chuckles and goes to grab her phone, handing it to her as she gets out and wraps a towel around her body while Duncan around his waist. "While you're doing that, should I order us dinner?"

Courtney nods, looking over the little menu they had as she called back her father. Within a minute, he answers, making Courtney smile.

"Sorry dad, we were ordering room service and my phone was charging." She did have a small lump in her throat for kind of  lying, but would never admit to her father what they were really doing- though they were married. She just hears a sigh of relief from her father as he nods on the other end. "How's everything there? Did you get settled, are the people there nice, what about your room, is eveything up to par and-"

"Daddy, slow down." Courtney giggles softly at her dad's ramble as she points out to Duncan what she wanted, before Duncan nods and proceeds to dial on their room phone for room service. She grabs her room slippers and gets up, slipping on her fresh new clothes as her father sighef once more over the phone. "I'm just.. I.. you know how I get worried that's all."

"I know... but trust me, everything is good. The weather here is amazing, and you know I'll keep sending you pictures and keep you updated." Courtney points out that the father hums and sighs once more. "Have you been taking your medication?"

"Yes, Daddy, don't worry. You already got Duncan freaked out so much, he's set a timer." She rolls her eyes playfully. The brief moment of silence makes her raise an eyebrow as she clears her throat. "Everything okay there?"

"Duncan... has he talked to you lately?" The father asked in a low tone as she chuckled, not sensing anything off as she smiles, "Dad, he's always talking to me."

"No Courtney... I mean, has he told you anything?" He points out, making her raise her eyebrow again suspiciously, turning back at Duncan as he was distracted over the phone, ordering their dinner. "What are you talking about?"

She just hears him sigh, nothing more as he clears his throat as well.

"Never mind. Okay honey, I gotta go setup tomorrow's session. You and him better behave and be safe on your trip, okay? I love you." He changes the subject as now she kept thinking about what he meant. "Okay, love you too."

As they both hang up, she bites down on her bottom lip, wondering what he was talking about. Her thoughts soon snapped out of it when she heard Duncan hang up their room phone as well.

"Alright, they said should be here in about fifteen to twenty minutes, so we have-" Duncan's smile drops slowly as he looks up at Courtney's face. Her expression unrecognizable as he gets up and walks over to her, arms wrapped around her waist. "What's wrong?"

"What did you and my dad talk about, Duncan?"

Chapter Text

Courtney laid in silence as she faced the view, expressionless and numbed to her surroundings as a tear slowly slid down her face. The boy ran his fingers through his hair, frustratedly, as he stared down at their food. Their room service had just arrived, yet the girl refused to move or eat from where she lay.

"Princess-"

"Leave me alone, Duncan." Her soft words still picked at him as it pierced his heart. He knew there was no one to blame but himself as he looked down and slowly lifts up their tray, placing on the table before sliding into bed. He hesitated going close to her, before ignoring the warning signs as he moved slightly closer.

Her sniffles ached his soul as he wanted to comfort her, but knew that right now just wasn't the time. 

Though he had finally told her the truth, after she had to ask him twice, it hurt knowing that the progress just wasn't increasing. But it hurt more that he had kept it from her, and that was all she could think about.

She covers her face as she sobs quietly, Duncan's chest feeling as if a ton of bricks just slammed into his chest as he watches her break down. He fights off the warning signs as he swiftly moves behind the girl, pulling her into his arms as she thrashes around, punching his chest, trying to pry out from his grip as she breaks down.

"You liar, you lied to me, you hid this from me." She sobbed while hitting his chest, he couldn't help but feel his eyes welling up as he endured her punches. Soon giving up as she grips his shirt in her fists and shakes in his arms. "H-How could you..."

"I'm sorry, baby." That was all he could mutter as he pulled her into his arms, letting her grip his shirt as he kept repeating his apologies while stroking her hair. "I just... they're looking into other options,  b-but I just didn't wanna accept it."

"This isn't yours to accept." She argued, voice breaking in between as she cried. "I know but... I just wanted to keep holding hope... you're doing better and-"

"That doesn't make a difference, Duncan." She points out as she pushed him slightly away, with all her might. Her eyes peer up to him as he could see the anger through her eyes. "You lied. You kept it from me, and my own father!"

Duncan bit his inner cheek as he didn't know what else to say. She was right. He didn't have the right to keep it from her, instead, it looked as if he had given her false hope.

"Baby-"

"Sleep on the couch." She mumbled, facing away from him as she continued to cry silently. His heart aching as he knew for once, he crossed the line.

Duncan didn't want to stress her out even further as he hesitated before grabbing a pillow and making his way to the couch across from their bed. Placing it gently, as he sighed and cursed silently under his breath. This was supposed to be their distraction. Their getaway from any fear or stress, yet there they were.

"Will you please eat your dinner at least, baby?" Duncan pleaded as the girl didn't budge an inch. Lying and staring out the balcony as he sighed. He grabbed his plate and tried eating a bit before placing his utensils down, as it just didn't sit right with him. What also didn't make him feel good was the fact that this was their first big argument, but it was ultimately his fault.

He lay down on the couch once more, staring up at the ceiling as he clenched his fists, blaming himself. He didn't want to see her this way; that's what he never intended to do - yet it was what he did.

"I love you." He says softly, but what hurt was the fact that she never responded. She just stayed there, silent. Minutes soon felt like hours as the two just lay in separate places, staring off as neither spoke. He couldn't take it much longer.

Duncan gets up as he walks over to stand in front of her view, her eyes in a daze as she refuses to look up at him. She was truly hurting.

"I'm not gonna give up." He muttered, squatting down to be eye level with her as she still refused to look at him. "They're not gonna give up, and neither should we."

Her eyes slowly meet his as he reaches and gently caresses her tear-stained cheek.

"I know you're probably really mad at me... probably hate me, I'd get it. But I'm not giving up on you." He whispered, eyes pleading with hers as she closed her eyes and let out another silent sob as she clenched her fists. "I...I don't hate you... but I'm just so hurt by you."

Those words felt like they were pounding against his chest as he listened to her. She slowly sits up, pulling her legs up to her chest as he slowly sits beside her on the bed, "Why did you keep this from me, i-i thought you love me-"

"I do!" He cuts off as he lifts her chin to look at him, but she swiftly pulls away.

"When were you gonna tell me, huh? Tell me." She says softly but with a slight cold tone as he looks away, making the girl sigh as she wipes her tears. "What... were you just gonna wait until I got worse, o-or if another opportunity presents itself?"

"I did want to tell you." He mumbled as he looked deep into her cold eyes. "B-but..."

"But what?" She asks softly as she examines his face for a reaction. They were both hurting, and they both could see that. But she needed answers. Duncan takes a deep breath as he looks away, "Then you talked about being a parent... us being parents, and just living a life together. I know that sounds selfish, but Court... I want that. I need that, I need you with me. I didn't want to just tell you, knowing that maybe there could be a way. I know you're tired, and I know it's a long shot, but I'll be there for you. I'll always be there for you. I-I can't lose you, I won't."

She felt tears heating up even more as her heart ached upon hearing his confession. She wanted to stay mad, very mad. But she also just needed him.

"You're so stupid." She mumbled as she slowly opened her arms, the boy immediately diving into them gently as she held him in her arms. The two were silently comforting one another as she could feel his warm tears pressing against her night gown, making her tears fall as well against his head. "I can't lose you, princess. I won't let you go."

Courtney closed her eyes as she stroked his hair, the two embracing each other tightly as she nods slowly.

"Don't ever do anything stupid like that again." She muttered as he nodded quickly. She hesitates before biting her inner cheek as she mumbles, "How much time..."

He didn't want to respond. He refused to let her know as she looked down at him, waiting for a response.

"Duncan..." She lifts his chin to look up at her as she gently cups his face. Plastering a small fake smile as she caressed his tear-stained cheeks with her thumbs. "How much..."

"Baby-"

"Please..." Courtney pleads softly as he looks into her eyes, once cold, now saddened, as he looks away. "Possibly till the end of next summer..."

It was as if the weight that was once lifted off her shoulders came crashing back down as her heart sank. She plastered on a fake smile as she rubbed his cheeks and nodded.

"Then let's not waste any time..." She says softly as he looks up at her, reading her expression as she gives him a half-chuckle. "Let's make the most of what we have left for the next fourteen months..."

Chapter Text

Courtney meant what she said as they awoke the next morning. She kept a smile while packing for their little adventure as Duncan couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness hit him as he watched her. He just wanted to protect her from all there was as he kept packing as well. She could feel his gaze upon her as she looked up, and gave him a small smile before walking up to him and cupping his face as he sat on the bed, looking up at her.

"Why so down, baby, aren't you excited for our tour?" She asks, rubbing his cheeks as he looked down, feeling guilty for lying to her previously and sighed. "I am... it's just... I'm sorry, princess. I shouldn't had lied to you..."

She gives him a small smile before leaning down to peck his lips as she continued rubbing his cheeks. He reciprocated the smile as he took both her hands in his before kissing both her knuckles.

"Don't think about that, okay? Let's just enjoy our day together, and maybe that'll get our mind off of things, okay?" She whispered as the boy sighed and nodded. She was always good at trying to think positive, but this time, they could both tell it was starting to get hard for one another- soon an alarm rings, snapping him out of his thoughts as he checks his phone. "Did you take your medicine, baby?"

Courtney nods, chuckling softly as she continued to pack. "I took it 10-minutes ago... now come on, let's finish up the bus comes in 30 minutes and we don't wanna be late."

He nods, finishing up his packing while giving the girl some playful kisses from time to time to make them both feel better. Courtney smiles softly at every peck and smooch he gave as it always gave her butterflies in her stomach. She enjoyed every little detail he done, and simply admired just the smallest of touches received from him.

Once they both finished, they head down hand in hand, smiling as they lined up with the other tourists waiting for the bus. Duncan pulls out his phone as he smiled and motioned for her to pose as she did, snapping her photo as he grins at her beauty.

"Beautiful." He says softly as she giggles and asks him to do the same as she snaps a photo from him and smiles. "I'm excited."

As they wait in line, some of the workers walk up to them as they gave each of them a lei to place around their necks. Duncan and Courtney both smiling as they smelled and admired the welcoming gift.

The tourist bus soon approaching them as they rushed to get on excitedly and sat near the front. Courtney by the window as Duncan sat beside her, near the aisle. She continued to snap photos while sending it to their parents as Duncan chuckles and slyly captures a photo of her admiring the view.

Their day consisted of the tour, checking out the pool/beach, and maybe eating out for dinner.

First stop was Pali Lookout, a beautiful view up in the mountains yet extremely windy. Courtney held down on her dress and Duncan laughed and captured a picture, earning a nudge from the girl as she whined while he smiled and took more photos.

Then it was to the Polynesian Cultural Center as they admired the themes of culture, enjoy the food and entertainment. One memory that will forever be engraved in their minds was Courtney cheering and laughing hard once one of the dancers tried to pull Duncan up on the stage with them.

She cheered us did the rest of the crowd as they tried to teach him and some of the other tourists the dance. She giggled as she pulled out their camera and recorded the whole thing, reminding herself to send her a copy- to which Duncan begged for her to never show anybody else.

And their final spot was to Ala Moana, a shopping mall where the two looked around- though for a moment feeling a bit tired after the long drive and day, they both smiled as they got each other a gift and smoothies to quench the heat.

"I'm gonna go try these on. Can you just wait outside?" Courtney held up two dresses as he nodded, sitting on one of the fitting room chairs as he sat back and waited for the girl to reveal her outfits. He smiled softly to himself, feeling glad the girl was having a good time, as well as himself and smiled at all the pictures he scrolled through his phone. "Okay, ready?"

He looked up when hearing her mention the fact that she was ready and responded with a "yeah." As she pulls back the curtain revealing a burnt sienna slim fit dress. His eyes widen as he shifted in his seat- he'd be lying if he were to say he wouldn't wanna just rip it off and do her here- but he just clears his throat and whistles as she smiled.

"What do you think?" She asks, biting on her bottom lip as the boy cooed and eyed her up and down. "You look beautiful, princess."

She smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror, flattening out her dress as she nods. "I really like this color too."

"Oh, I know you do." Duncan chuckled as he takes a picture of her and whistles once more, before teasing, "we could go back to the hotel, right now."

Her cheeks flushed pink as she walked over and slaps him on the shoulder gently before walking back to her room to show the other.

He stares at the picture once more as he groans, his intrusive thoughts plaguing his mind as he tries to wave them away.

Soon this girl comes out in the other dress as his eyes widen once again. It was a green floral ruched mini dress that rested halfway her thighs as he groans once more, making Courtney giggle at his reaction.

"Baby, you're killing me." He muttered as she smiled and turns her back to him, looking at the mirror as he snapped another photo of her. Admiring the way it fitted her body as she examined herself. "I think I like this one too."

"Then let's get both." He smirked as she smiled and nodded. He gets up, arms snaking around her waist from behind as she leans back a bit to rest upon his chest. She momentarily looks around, making sure no one was around or watching as she giggles. "You like this one?"

"Love it." He admits as she chuckles and steps away from him, turning to face him as she wraps her arms around his neck and smiles. "Do I look nice in this?"

"Hot." He admits as her nose scrunches up at his response, making them both chuckle. "Got you acting up again, huh?"

Duncan groans and nods admittedly as Courtney blushes once more and slaps his chest lightly.

"Pervert." She whispers before chuckling once more as she pulls away. "Let me just change and we can go pay for it."

Duncan nods in agreement as he sits back down, waiting for her to change back in her previous dress before taking both dresses as he went to pay for them.

"I really like these... I can't wait to wear them tonight!" Courtney grins at her dresses as Duncan smiles and holds her hand as they walk out. "I do, too and I can't wait to see you wear it tonight."

He couldn't help himself as he leans close to her ear, making sure she'd be the only one to hear as he states, "but I'd rather help take you out of them tonight, instead."

Chapter Text

Duncan sighed as he plopped onto their hotel bed. Laid in the afternoon as they had just finished their tour. The boy was honestly beaten. It had been a long but fun day.

Courtney giggled softly as she watched her lover spread throughout the bed, sighing as she placed their bags on the couch.

"Go change, don't just lie in bed in your dirty clothes." Courtney groaned as the boy chuckled tiredly and closed his eyes for a brief moment, collecting himself as he felt the bed shift. Looking down, slightly, he noticed the girl sitting on the edge of the bed as she leaned and ran her fingers through his hair, making him sigh in satisfaction." Come on, baby. Go wash up first."

"Care to join?" He wriggled his eyebrows as the girl blushed and looked away, shaking her head. "Knowing if we go together, we'll never make it to our dinner plans!"

Duncan chuckled as he smirked, sitting up he grabs ahold of both her hands and kissed the palms of both. "And that's ok, we can just stay here and have a nice little fun night."

She rolled her eyes playfully while nudging his side. "Oh stop it, come on, Duncan... please?"

He watched as the girl pulled out her pleading look, making him sigh as she knew how much of an effect that would do to him.

"Fine... just this time." He grumbled as Courtney smiled and pecked his lips. "Thank you, baby. Now go."

Duncan wants more under his breath as he gets up and walks over to the shower. Turning it to a room temperature, he stripped out of his clothing and stepped in. He closed his eyes as he let the water run down his body before his thoughts of the previous night, running back to him as he replayed those intimate moments.

He couldn't help himself as he closed his eyes and leaned back, replaying the memory as his hands slowly moved down to pleasure himself at the thought of the previous night. His mind and vision were clouded by memory, as he failed to notice. The girl had walked into the bathroom just to remove her makeup.

She paused upon hearing a familiar grunt slipping past his mouth as she raised an eyebrow. Moving very carefully, she slowly inches closer and closer to the curtains. Soon, peeking through the slight opening, she watches for a brief moment and bites her bottom lip.

Screw it.

Courtney thought before whipping back the curtains, causing the boy to jump. His eyes widen at her, catching him in the act.

"Fine, quick, and that's it." She felt her cheeks flush a deep shade as she stripped out of her clothes, soon following him in as they immediately began making out shortly.

One minute they were talking in bed, next thing you know, he has her pinned up against the wall in the shower. Breasts pressed up against the cold material as he plunged from behind. Both moaning in sync as he pulled her in for a fat kiss.

Their bodies are grinding against one another as their hands continue to roam throughout their bodies. Soap washing down their bodies as the water continues to run down their bodies, blocking out the sounds they made as they soon come to an end.

She pants against the wall, holding on for a brief second to catch her breath as he kisses her shoulder. Holding her up from behind as he chuckles at her flustered look and helps her wash off. Courtney turns around slowly as she wraps her arms around his neck and leans up to give him a gentle kiss on the lips, while he smiles between.

"Do you think we'll be okay?" She asks suddenly, once pulling apart as he raises an eyebrow in confusion. He rubs the lower part of her back as he looks down at her, "What do you mean?"

"It's just... I'm trying... really hard not to let this affect me..." She muttered as his once brightened eyes, drop upon hearing her confession. "Baby... we'll be fine."

His reassurance makes her react with a small smile as she cups his face and sighs. Soon finishing up, he turns off the water, grabbing a towel to wrap around his waist before helping her out, as he drapes her with a towel as well.

The two began to get ready afterwards, as they had a reservation at the Cheesecake Factory- both slightly tired, they chose the closest thing to them as they didn't mind and wanted to try it out. Once she finishes her makeup, Courtney slips on her dress, smiling to herself as she tries to convey her confidence. 

"Hot." Duncan soon comes into view from behind her as she scrunches her nose and whacks his chest lightly, making him chuckle. "Ready?"

She nods, causing him to smile as they leave hand in hand. Deciding to walk to the restaurant as it wasn't that far, and enjoying the night lights and views throughout the city. It was slightly crowded once they approached the restaurant, making Duncan sigh with relief once he remembered the girl had luckily thought ahead and made their reservation.

As they get seated, the two look through the menu, trying to figure out what they want.

"Anything you want, baby, I got it." Duncan winked as the girl giggled and nodded. There was a lot for her to take in as she examined the menu, trying to figure out what she had been craving as she tapped her lower lip, deep in thought. He couldn't help but chuckle while watching her as he thought about what he wanted as well. 

Yet the sound of his phone ringing cuts him off as he reaches into his pocket and checks who it could be.

DAD.

His eyebrow raised as he cleared his throat before picking up.

"Hello?" He asked as he could hear his father sigh over the phone. "Hey, how long are you guys on vacation again?"

"For just a week. Why?" Courtney couldn't help but eavesdrop, wondering what they were speaking about as Duncan's eyes widened upon hearing his father's words.

"Once you get here, we need to check Courtney as soon as possible. I think they missed something, I'm not sure, but I just got a call, so... let me know when you land, got it?"

"Uh... yeah, yeah sure. Got it." He muttered before hanging up as Courtney placed down her menu, raising an eyebrow as well. "What was that about?"

He tried gathering his thoughts. What he didn't like was that it was neither bad nor good news; he was honestly confused.

"I.. don't know. He said when we go back, they need to check one more thing with you, so I guess he'll pick us up from the airport?" Duncan stated as she sighed and nodded, her smile slowly dropping as he reached her hand from across the table, squeezing it gently as he tried to give her a small smile. "Hey, look at me."

She slowly looks up, giving him a small, painful smile as she squeezes back.

"Whatever it is, I'll be there with you, I promise." He reassures, placing a kiss on her knuckles as she gives him a slight nod and clears her throat, wanting to change the subject. "Um.. let's get ready to order, you know what you want?"

He nods with a small smile as she looks around for their waiter. Duncan's smile slowly drops as he watches her. Knowing they were about to go through another long ride, as he felt her demeanor shift. Duncan sighed as he wanted to make sure this time, she wasn't gonna go through-not even her dark thoughts, alone. He was gonna make sure to always watch out for her, no matter what.

Chapter Text

As the two walked out of the restaurant hand-in-hand, Duncan couldn't help but rub his bloated belly as the girl giggled at his actions and mimicked, rubbing his belly as well.

"Someone ate well tonight." Courtney teased as Duncan groaned and rubbed his temples with his free hand. "I should've just taken a to-go box."

Courtney smiles as she rubs his forearm gently and squeezed his hand. "That's alright baby, there's always tomorrow."

Once they had gotten back to their room, the two began stripping out of their shoes and clothes as they decided to take a nice warm bath to cool off their steam from today. No sexual innuendos this time, just embracing in others' warmth as Courtney lay on Duncan's chest while he rested against the wall of the tub.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, intaking a deep breath and out while the boy massaged shampoo throughout her scalp. She enjoyed not only the intimate actions the two gave one another, but also the non-intimate, subtle actions. She smiled softly to herself at him taking good care of her and turned back a bit to peck his cheek as he returned the same smile.

"Duncan, can I ask you something?" Courtney asks as she turns around to face him. The bubbles from the bath block both their chests as he nods, while also rubbing shampoo on his head. "And don't laugh, okay?"

Suddenly, he pauses mid scrub, raising an eyebrow at her as he nods once more while looking directly at her. Courtney bites down on her bottom lip as she contemplates before speaking.

"What if we have a baby?" She whispers as his eyes widen. He felt as if something had caught his throat, causing the boy to cough roughly as her eyes soon widened as well, patting his back and checking his face as he waved her off and put on a pitiful smile. "U-uh... what do you mean?"

Courtney frowned upon just hearing a slight shift in his voice, causing him to clear his throat and comfort her as he cupped her face in his hands and planted a soft kiss to her forehead.

"I mean, princess... You know..." he tried to think of words to say as she soon puts his pieces together and gives him a small smile, taking hold of both his hands while rubbing them. "You don't need to say it... But it's just... I don't want our story to end just... like this, y'know. But I don't want to plan anything if I know you don't want to."

"I do." He intervenes as her eyes widen with his answer. "But I don't know if I can without you... w-what if the baby doesn't like me, or wants its' mom or... what if i'm not a good father?"

Her eyes soften as she forces a small smile across her lips, as she cups his face and pulls him in for a gentle, loving kiss. He melts under her touch as his body eases while holding her. As they pull back slowly, the two lean their foreheads against one another as she rubs his cheeks with her thumbs.

"Baby... you don't know that. And you don't know what type of a dad you'd be..." She whispered as the boy closed his eyes and sighed, "You know your father would kill me."

Courtney couldn't help but giggle as he chuckled softly.

"Please... he'd already kill you if he ever found out what we've done the past two days alone." She retorted as Duncan laughs softly and nods, realizing she was right. "Touch, princess. Alright, we can talk more about this tomorrow. Let's finish washing up and get to bed. Deal?"

Courtney chuckles softly as she nods, the two proceeding to finish up by cleaning themselves off and soon getting to bed.

The two embraced one another under the dimmed lights and cool blankets surrounding them. Courtney had already dozed off, snuggled up against his chest as he remained staring up at the ceiling while running his fingers through her hair exactly the way she liked it. He couldn't help but think about what the girl had asked him earlier as his thoughts ran wild.

'Me... a parent?... already...?' he thought as he rubbed the top bridge of his nose and sighed. Though seeing a mini version of them made him feel quite happy, he couldn't help but think of raising a child without Courtney. He was afraid that he would end up being like his father and tried to shake the thoughts away. He also did not think that he was ready to have a child but did not want to express that questionable feeling to the girl as he knew that it would hurt her.

Duncan couldn't help but I once more before closing his eyes and trying to fall back asleep. Hoping that maybe the next day the discussion would change his mind, as he soon falls asleep beside the girl.

When the next morning hits, Duncan soon rolls over as he tries to feel the spot beside him and notices that Courtney is no longer beside him. He raised an eyebrow as he sat up and heard some noises coming from the bathroom. Slipping on his room slippers, he slowly approaches the bathroom, soon realizing that he begins to hear the sound of retched noises and slowly opens the door.

Courtney had her hair covering her face as she was bent over the toilet, throwing up. It took him a brief second to realize what was happening before walking up to her, he held her hair back while scratching his nose at the sounds she was making. Courtney gags once more before soon finishing up as she groans and sits back. He bends down, rubbing her back as she wipes her mouth and scrunches her nose at the sight and smell.

"How long have you been in here, baby?" He asks before getting up to retrieve her some water and comes back. She thanks him softly and sighs before taking a big gulp of water. "I-I don't know... maybe 5 minutes ago?"

Duncan nods as he places the water aside and lifts her back into bed, scooping her into his arms as she rests her head against his shoulder. He kept thinking about what could've caused her to react this way as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Could it be because of your medicine?" He asked as she shook her head, "I don't see why it would be that since I've been taking them and I've never thrown up from them."

Duncan could only sigh as he thought once more of any other reason.

"Could it have been for my food last night?" She shook her head once more as he continued debating with himself. "Should we stop by your clinic and get you checked out?"

"I'm sorry..." She says softly as her eyes slightly watered, and she felt bad, making him coo as he shook his head and comforted her once more, "No baby, don't apologize, we can go right now, there's a minute clinic longs not too far from here."

As the two get dressed, they soon discover that he was right, as the clinic is less than a 10-minute walk away. Luckily, they were able to be seen right away because they sat in a room waiting for a doctor. Courtney couldn't help but bite down on her bottom lip nervously. Yes, she thought about what could be the problem, but wanted to push the thought of we just in case she was wrong.

Both of their thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of a knock outside their door, letting them know that the doctor was in as they sat up.

"Hey, Courtney, my name is Dr. Tanaka. I will be checking on you today. What seems to be the problem?" The lady asks as she sits on her seat across from them and turns to face the two of them. Courtney sighs as she goes on to explain what the situation was this morning and how she's worried if it could be due to her medication or if it could be something else. Dr. Tanaka nodded yes, she typed down everything the girl was explaining before turning to FaceTime once more with her eyebrows raised. "Hmm... Okay, Courtney, you know what, I am going to give you a cup and have you pee in it, and then you can leave it in that little box drawer in the bathroom, and we can go ahead and test it out and figure from there, seems to be the problem. Is that okay with you?"

Courtney nodded as the doctor handed over a cup and guided Courtney on where to go. Duncan couldn't help but sit back on his seat nervously as he chewed on his bottom lip, hating the fact that there was nothing he could do in the moment to help but wait. As the girl came back, Duncan gave her a small smile as the two of them waited for the news.

Not too long after, the doctor comes back, clipboard in hand, as she takes a brief moment to look over the results before looking back up at the two of them.

"I hope you don't mind if I ask an intimate question, is that alright with you?" Dr Tanaka asks as Courtney's eyes widen, but nods. "How often are the two of you intimate with one another?"

Both their eyes widened as they looked at one another, Duncan soon intervening as he cleared his throat.

"Only recently." He responds as she too, clearing her throat before handing them the results. They looked at one another nervously before slowly opening the file as he could feel a pit in his stomach drop.

Positive.

Chapter Text

After their little visit to the doctors, the two headed straight back into their hotel room canceling their plans for the day as they each one of the process the news they had just received

The two laid in bed, staring at the ceiling in silence as they thought various things. They both wanted to say something yet. Nothing could come out as they continue to lay there, muted.

" baby I-" Duncan gets cut off as he turned to face her and notice tears were rolling up in her eyes. He noticed that she had been chewing on her lower lip, trying to hide her sniffles. He sighs softly before bringing the girl in a hug as the two count on and another while laying down. He decided not to say anything else in the meantime, but to just hold and comfort her as she quietly cried in his arms.

Courtney on the other hand, had a lot on her mind. Though she did mean it when she wanted to leave her memory of her for him once she's gone, she just didn't think it would come sooner than expected. Her heartbeat fastened as her tears kept flooding out. The gentle feeling of his hands running through her hair momentarily, comforted her, but she couldn't help but think about the fact that this was really happening.

" you jinxed it." Duncan silently teased. Trying to comfort and distract her crying, Yet unfortunately, did not seem to work.

As they both thought about what they had gone through, it hadn't hit them how fast they were moving until reality hit.

Neither of them were ready to be parents.

"A-are you mad?" Courtney mumbled against his chest. The boy could only sigh softly as he continued stroking her hair, but shook his head. " I could never be mad at you, princess."

"I-I'm sorry..." she sniffled as he shook his head once more and cupped her face, lifting it slightly up to look at him as he wiped her tears with the end of his thumb. " Baby why are you saying sorry? I'm sure you're aware of how babies are made of."

For some reason that cracked a small smile from the girl as she chuckled softly .

"B-but, I know we were just talking about it as a joke and-" he cuts her off with another tight squeeze as he pulls her into his arms, letting her wrap hers around his body as he sighs again. "I know... you're scared, we're both scared."

Courtney slowly relaxes into his embrace as she closes her eyes, deep in her thoughts.

" but whatever happens, just know I'll be right there with you till the very end." He whispers as she squeezes him due to his reassurance and smiles softly up at him. "I wanna do this..."

"Then we can." He responds and gives her a light kiss on the lips as she smiles and kisses back just as gently. Though the thought of spending the rest of her months left mostly being pregnant did strike up in her mind, she refused to let it affect her negatively.

Chapter Text

The next few days went by rough. Though they're on vacation trying their best to enjoy themselves, it became difficult as every morning she would wake up feeling morning sickness. It had gotten to the point where he had placed a bucket beside their bed, just in case the girl had to wake up and let it out instead of having to rush into the bathroom.

Duncan tried his hardest to stay positive as he remained by her side, but couldn't help feeling a sense of nervousness whenever she looked sick.

" Are you sure you can keep staying on this trip, baby?" Duncan asked, slightly concerned as he wiped the girl's mouth with a wet napkin while handing her water. Courtney only sighed as she debated with herself; she didn't even get to swim yet. After a brief moment of contemplating, she nods. "Maybe not the rest of the week, but... just one more day, I still wanna go to the beach."

He was about to argue for her wellness, but seeing her pout, he knew he couldn't win. He gives her a small smile as he sighs, kissing her forehead as he nods. "Alright... one more day, but then we should go back. I'd rather have you get checked at home, making sure you and our baby is safe."

Courtney couldn't help but smile softly as she squeezed his hand, thankful that he understood, but also for being protective towards her and their soon-to-be. It still baffled her how they had gone from where they met to now.

If anyone were to tell her back then she'd fall in love, get married, go to Hawaii, and have a baby- especially with Duncan of all people; she would've said you were crazy. But now, she's glad it was with him.

"I'm sorry I ruined our plans..." Courtney says softly, looking down as he lifts her chin with his thumb and sighs, kissing her forehead once more with a reassuring smile. "Baby, you didn't ruin anything. I mean hey, at least we got to explore a bit together, got to go to a different country, and we got some exciting news."

He emphasized the last part while rubbing her belly as the girl scrunched her nose and chuckled softly.

"Now, how about we order some breakfast and then we change into our swimsuits and we go and check out the beach, does that sound good?" He suggests, as Courtney smiles softly and nods. She walks over and looks at the menu of the hotel as Duncan phones the front desk to order their food.

However, realization soon hits him as he puts down the phone and slowly turns to face her. Courtney looks up at him, confused as he chewed on his lower lip and asked, "Shouldn't we tell our parents?"

Courtney also bite down on her lower lip ass she rubbed the spot between her finger and thumb, shaking her head as she thought about various things her dad could react or say to them. Though they are married and they did wait, to Mr Satella, she was still his little girl... his dying little girl- who knows what the man could say.

"Let's just tell them when we get back home..." She mumbles as he nods and goes back to ordering their food. Courtney couldn't help but overthink what could happen as her thoughts started getting worse. She was too invested in her thoughts, she didn't notice Duncan calling out to her. He frowns upon seeing her lost in thought, before going up to her as he rubs her back gently snapping her from her thoughts. "s-sorry, what?"

"I said do you know what you want baby?" He repeats his Courtney looks down at the menu real quick cannot pointing at the simple avocado toast with eggs, making him look at her just to make sure that's really what she wanted. "you sure?"

The girl not as he proceeds to go back to the phone and relay what's the girl wanted before hanging up on the phone. He sat back beside the girl and hold her close as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"10 to 15 minutes they said." He relays as the girl nods, still holding him while he played with her hair. He did notice that her hair slowly started coming out again, but did not want to tell her as he didn't want her to panic once again. It wasn't much compared before, so he didn't think it was a big deal yet.

But little did he know, a big deal was soon headed their way.

"why don't you prep your swimsuit so that way after we eat and rest we can go straight to the beach?" He suggests while moving a strand of her hair behind her ear as the girl gives him a small smile and nod. 

The next 10 to 15 minutes feels like a pillar it moves by quickly as they soon hear a knock from their door, causing the boy to get up as he open the door and saw their food ready down below.

"all right babe food is here let's eat first so we can go to the beach afterwards." He brings the food over to the table but soon drops it as he notices the girl collapsed on the floor. His eyes widen as he begins to panic and immediately gets on the ground while holding her close to his lap and chest, moving strength away from your face as he lightly shakes her.

"Baby, babe, wake up." He panics, yet to no response he phrases for a brief second unsure what to do before immediately grabbing his phone and dialing the emergency number. He felt his chest tensing up as he also felt like collapsing by the sheer amount of panic he was going through. As instructed by the person over the phone, he could feel a pulse but it was slightly weak. Unsure of what to do he begs the operator to get someone over fast, he starts immediately going to the worst as they try to reassure him over the phone.

Still on his lap call mom he immediately grabs her phone as well and proceeds to call her father to update him on the situation. He's never been in a case where she had passed out in front of him so he called the only other person who knew what to do besides staying on the phone with the operator whom he was with his own phone.

"Hello-"

"Mr Satella, it's me Courtney passed out and she's not waking up and I called the ambulance and they're on their way but I don't know what to do." He begins to ramble as Courtney's father gets up from his seat listening to him, "they're on their way now but she's going to be all right, right? Did I do something wrong? I don't understand why after months of her not going through this now it happens again, but-"

Mr Satella cut him off with a question that baffles him. His eyes widen as he stutters, unsure of what to say.

"W-what?" He mumbles as Courtney's father ran his fingers through his hair frustratedly, pacing around his living room. "has Courtney been taking her meds?"

"Y-yes, I've been sitting and watching her alarms and reminding her to take them there's no way-"

"Duncan." His stern voice causes Duncan to take a deep breath as he refuses to do anything but stay by her side. "Son... check her bottle. Has she been taking her meds?"

He couldn't help but debate with himself whether or not to believe her or to check, as he looked back and forth between having her stay on his lap, or to go, and check her bag. Dunkins places her beside him as he gets up and goes to her bag. He makes sure that the operator is still on the phone as they reassure him help is on the way before opening her bag as he looks for her pills.

When she had gotten her new set of pills, there were 14; right now, she should only have nine left.

There were still 13 pills left in her container.

She lied.

Chapter Text

Duncan didn't know how to feel as he paced around the hallway, anticipating for the nurses to come out and update him as a million thoughts ran through his mind.

Why didn't she take her pills?

Why did she pretend to take them-

Why did she lie?

To say he felt betrayed was simply an understatement. He was livid.

For once, he felt upset towards her as he wondered why she had done this, why she kept it from him; he just didn't understand.

Duncan decided to cut their trip short as he and her father decided to buy the tickets to fly back sooner than they had hoped. It didn't matter to him, he just wanted answers. How did they go from one minute of being good to the next minute finding out he's been betrayed for the past few days.

The sound of her hospital room door opening snaps him from his thoughts as he immediately walks up to the nurse in anticipation.

"Your wife is stable for now... she's currently asleep, would you like to see her?" She asked as Duncan fidgeted with his fingers nervously and nods. The nurse steps aside as he walked in, all of a sudden his anger turns into a pit of worry as he stared at her asleep in bed, with a mask over her mouth and nose as he walks up to her. He goes to sit beside her on the chair as he takes a hold of her hand, gently and sighs frustratedly. "Why Court... why did you do this?"

Duncan knew that, though the girl was asleep that she could hear him as his eyes started to burn.

"Why did you stop taking your meds after everything we've been through? And now with a baby on the way, what're you trying to do? Kill yourself? How could you do this to me- to us?" He rambled as he squeezed her hand gently and tried to ignore the hot tears running down his face as he held his head down against her side and sniffled. "I know it's not easy for you, baby, I know... but I'd rather we fight till the end and just keep doing this until our time is up."

He kept his head down, not noticing a single tear slip from her closed eyes. She could hear his words, yet she could not speak.

"But please... don't ever scare me like that again." His voice cracked towards the end as he held onto her hand tightly, as if he was scared she'd disappear the moment he held any lighter.

Hours go by as he soon knocks out beside her. He had tried to lay beside her on the bed, not caring if he was hanging off a bit as he didn't want her to be alone. Luckily neither of the nurses that went in decided to bother them, but instead sighed in pity as they laid some food on the table for them, knowing of their situation as they understood his actions.

He slowly wakes up upon feeling her shift a bit as he rubs his eyes, ignoring the pain in his back as he looks down at her. Her eyes slowly opening as he sighs a breath of relief and kisses her forehead gently. Courtney's eyes swell up with tears as she immediately notices him, knowing she's been caught. Though he wanted to be upset, he chose otherwise as he hushes her quietly and holds her close.

"I'm sorry..." she whimpers as he quiets her down once more, stroking her hair as she sniffles and slowly reaches up to hold him close. Duncan sighs softly as he rocks her gently in his arms and gives her another kiss on her forehead, not wanting her to cry much longer. "I know, baby. We can talk about it later."

The two remained in each others arms for god knows how long as their cheeks stained with tears and eyes puffy. He had loads of questions that he knew to ask later, but all he could think of right now, was to get her out.

"How're you feeling?" He says softly as he continued stroking her hair. He rests his chin lightly on her head as she shrugs a bit and wipes her eyes. "Like crap... but you, are you okay, do you want me to scoot over-"

"I'm okay, baby." He reassures her as Courtney hesitates but nods, snuggling closer to his chest as he sighs once more. He couldn't wait any longer. "Why..."

There was a brief moment of silence as he felt her shift uncomfortably underneath him. He knew that was her way of trying to think of an answer as he sighs once more and lifts her chin to look up at him,

"Why, baby?" he repeats as Courtney bit down on her bottom lip and looked away. "I... I just can't do it anymore or at least I thought I couldn't. So I stopped taking the pills... especially after finding out that the treatment may not even work, I thought what was the point. I might as well just spend the rest of my days trying to forget what I have and just enjoy my time with you. And then this happened."

She motion her belly as her eyes teared up again. She couldn't help but cover her face as she cried softly. Duncan's face soften as he hadn't realized that was what's going through her mind the whole time.

It's not that she refused to take them, but she had a point. They weren't working. Nobody knows more about the pain of your body having to go their treatments that don't work compared to her.

" Why didn't you talk to me about this?" He asks softly as she whimpers once more, " I mean, how could I? You sounded so positive and you tried so hard to help me. I didn't wanna come off as negative or make you think that what you're doing isn't enough. My body is failing and no matter what we're doing, it's like a roller coaster. It's working and it gets our hopes up- it got my hope up and then next thing you know it doesn't work and I feel like crap and I feel terrible because you're doing the very best. You can't help me, but I'm just starting to give up."

Duncan couldn't help but feel his heart wrench upon hearing her confession as he hugged her once more. Neither of them realized they had many pent up thoughts and feelings as the girl cried.

" And then finding out I'm pregnant and having to come to terms with the fact that I won't even get to see my baby turn one." She broke down once more as he felt his eyes water up once more. He never thought that the girl would have the same worrying thoughts as he did. The night he vented to her about his worries of not being a good father, he didn't know that she too, was having those thoughts, but towards herself.

"Look at me." he wipes his tears and lips, her chin as the girl looked up at him with pain in her eyes. " Who really knows how much time we have alright? Nobody knows but us; or hell, probably not even us. But what we can do is spend the rest of the time that we have together with good memories and trying to make whatever time we have left together memorable. I'm still here, I'm not gonna leave you."

Courtney couldn't help but look into his eyes as she wondered what made them so lucky to find each other. She nods slowly as he showers her with comforting kisses while continuing to reassure her. "And you know what we're gonna raise that baby in there to the best of our abilities and we're gonna try to fight this together.."

"I-I'm sorry, dunkie." Her voice cracked as he calms her down while pulling her into his warm embrace. To say he was definitely not okay but once again, being an understatement as he was in fact, dying on the inside. "We go back home tomorrow, for tonight we're just gonna stay here. I'm gonna leave for a bit to pack our bags and then I'll come right back. Okay?"

"Okay." She says softly as he kisses her forehead once more and slowly gets up from the bed. "You just rest, I'm gonna go get our luggages, and I'll be back in about 10 minutes okay?"

Courtney nods slowly as he squeezes her hand gently before kissing the tip of her knuckles as he goes back to their hotel to pack up their remaining things.

Chapter Text

As Duncan made his way back towards the hospital with their luggages, he maintained taking deep breaths as he focused driving. Yet despite himself, his thoughts began to overtake him.

You should've paid more attention.

You should've watched her take those meds.

You're making things hard for her.

He felt his eyes start to burn as he decided it'd be best to pull over for a brief minute on the side as his breaths started quickening. He felt warm streaks run down his face as he screamed, slamming the steering wheel as he felt pent up frustration and anger towards anything and everything. Yet it had to come out.

"Fuck, why the fuck is this happening?" He shouts, ignoring the passing of cars as he wiped his eyes frustratedly, and covered his face.

Is this his punishment for all his wrongdoings?
Making him fall in love with someone he's made fun of since they were kids, get married, have a baby just to kill her?

He immediately grabs his phone, calling the only person who could calm him down as he sniffled in between. The line ringing as his leg shook uncontrollably.

"Hi honey, how's the trip?" His mom cooed over the phone as he took a deep breath, "it's Courtney, mom..."

"What happened, sweetie?" She asked quite concerned as Duncan lets out his emotions, sobbing over the phone as he gripped the steering wheel. "I- She's getting worse... I-i don't know what to do. Tell me what to do, I-I can't do this-"

"Deep breaths first, baby. Take deep breaths." She instructed softly as he hiccuped a few tears, but does so. His mother sighs pitifully over the phone as she stayed quiet for a moment. "Ma... I... We... she's pregnant."

Her eyes widen at the last part as she placed her hand over her chest. Her heart aching as she put two in two together, knowing how he felt at that moment.

"I'm happy..." she says softly as Duncan wiped his eyes. "M-me too... I'm, I don't know, Ma."

"You two coming home soon?" She asks softly as he sighs and ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, I don't think we should stay any longer. It's best we get back and get her checked again."

Ms Tarun smiled softly as she could feel how much her son had changed for her. It made her feel happy, knowing he'd found the one. Yet sad at the same time as she's grown to love the girl as her own, and could sense where this would all go.

"Do you need me to pick you guys up when you get here?" She checked her calendar as the boy lets out a soft chuckle. "Uh... dad, actually is gonna pick us up. He's gonna take us to the clinic right away."

She nods and sighs once more, "I'm gonna go with him..."

"Ma..."

"Especially when Courtney is going through that stage, I'm sure she'd want another woman with her." She reassures as Duncan couldn't help but wipe his eyes once more and smile softly at his mother's care. "Okay... I love you..."

"I love you too. Now go back to what ever it is and take care of her till you two get back, okay?" She says as the boy sighs once more and nods. "I will... see you soon."

As the phone call soon ends, Duncan takes a deep breath once more as he closes his eyes. He didn't want to go back yet looking all red and puffy as he tried to think happy thoughts to distract him.

At least that's what he's been doing.

Of course he knows the seriousness of the situation and how much this will definitely screw him up once time does come. But he needed to remain strong. He knew she'd need it.

He contemplates once more before starting back up his car as he drove off. His mind wandered various things, but one thing remained certain.

He'll always be by her side. He'll always love her.

Once reaching the hospital, he goes back up and slowly peeks through her door. Noticing she was reading some magazine that was on the table, he chuckles softly before knocking so that he wouldn't startle her.

Courtney looks up, a small smile forming as she gestures him to come in and sits up slowly in bed.

"There you are... I got worried for a moment." She says softly as he walks over and kisses her forehead. "Reading anything interesting?"

"Besides the new love triangles and new boy bands and reality tv shows? Oh yeah, that's good stuff." She says sarcastically as Duncan snorted and sits beside her on the bed. She lays her head gently on his shoulder as she whispered, "What took you so long?"

"Traffic." He lied as she nods and closed her eyes. "I'm tired..."

"I know, Princess." He says softly as he kissed the top of her head. "You can sleep, I ain't moving."

Courtney smiles softly as she linked their fingers together before doing so. Her eyes slowly falling asleep as she remained against his shoulder and knocks out. Duncan admires her for a brief moment as he moved some strands away from her face and rubbed her cheek.

"You'll be better... I promise." He says quietly while moving down as he positioned them in a cuddling position that faced each other, and held her close.

Hours went by as he couldn't sleep. Just stroking her hair as she snored softly and had her arms around his waist as well, the both of them holding one another as he tried to clear his mind.

Why was he thinking so many negative thoughts?

Why couldn't he just ignore them?

"I'm just gonna get a drink, I'll be back, okay?" He says quietly as he slowly slips out of the girls hold, kissing her forehead before slipping out of the room as he went down the halls.

"Oh- you must be our patient's husband?" Duncan turns upon hearing another male's voice. He looked at him and nodded. "Is she..."

The doctor gave him a small, yet sad smile as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Has she been getting treatments?" He asked as Duncan sighed and nodded. "But they don't seem to be working long term."

"I mean... leukemia it's... It's a hard thing to go through, especially when there is no cure but hope. How long has she had it?"

"Since she was 16," Duncan mumbled as the doctor's eyes widened. "That's longer than usual, that's great!"

"Yeah, not really... It's failing again and-" Duncan closes his eyes as he sighs once more. The doctor motioned for them to sit on the chairs to the side as he looked at Duncan's facial and physical emotions and sighed. "How are you doing, though?"

"Me?" Duncan asked, quite taken aback by the question as he cleared his throat. "I mean... I'm trying... I am. I gotta be strong for us, you know."

"Okay, but how are you mentally?" He questions as Duncan stares at him for a moment, dumbfounded, as the doctor pulls out his book and begins asking some questions. "How's your sleep been? Have you eaten properly? Felt as if you've been disinterested in various things?"

Duncan didn't know what to say as he sat up, processing all the questions as he looked away.

"I mean... sleep and eating, I can't. I feel like I'm just so distracted with this I don't wanna do it as much, and I mean I was never interested in various things before so..." The doctor nodded as he began jotting down his answers. "Duncan... you know what you're exhibiting right now?"

He sighed once more and looked up at the older male in anticipation.

"You're showing signs of someone who is mentally and physically exhausted..." Duncan looked away, not wanting to listen as the doctor continued. "You... you are showing signs of depression."

Chapter Text

It was the next morning, Duncan was still replaying the doctors words as he zoned out while the nurse spoke to the both of them. Courtney had changed back into her clothes as she squeezed his hand when noticing he wasn't listening. He snaps away from his thoughts, giving her a reassuring smile as he nods at the nurse, both of them thanking her as they had been discharged.

"We have a few hours before our flight, wanna get breakfast?" He asks the girl as she nods and grabs her bag; only to be stopped as he takes it for her. She chuckles softly as she gently grabs ahold of his hand and squeezes, "I can hold my bag, Duncan."

"I got it." He chuckles as the two of them walk hand in hand. "They said the baby is in good condition, so that's good."

Courtney hummed at the boys words as she still felt slightly guilty for lying to him about her pills. He notices something on her mind as he pauses and lifts her hand to his lips, kissing the tips of her knuckles.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asks softly as she shakes her head, giving him a small smile. "I'm just... sorry, still."

Duncan sighs as he kisses her knuckles once more and returns the same smile. "It's okay... doctor says you should still be okay to take the meds so... please take them, okay? I'll be right there watching you and making sure you're okay."

Courtney couldn't help but smile a bit more as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. His reassurance was what she really needed.

As the two got into their vehicle, they drove to the closest place; McDonalds, and ordered their foods.

"How interesting, a breakfast platter." Duncan mentioned as she nodded, ordering the same thing with coffee and fruit punch as their drinks. "Oh, I want a hash brown too."

Duncan chuckles as he ordered the girl her hash browns and paid for their meal. "I spoke to ma yesterday."

Courtney nods as she listened and grabbed the receipt.

"She's gonna come with my dad to pick us up." Duncan chuckles as Courtney grins and nods, "Great! I do miss her."

"She misses you too." Duncan chuckles as they sit on a booth and await for their number. "She... wants to be there for you when they monitor and check on the baby. She says, you'd probably feel more comfortable to also have another girl in there with you so she wants to be there."

Courtney smiles softly as she felt happy with that comment.

"I do... I'm glad." Duncan smiles softly as he admired the way the two most important people in his life got along. He was happy his mother had loved them both just as equal, and took Courtney in as her own as did she.

They continued to chat amongst themselves as their food soon arrives. Taking their first bite, for some reason felt more delicious than any other breakfast they had and devoured their meals.

"I'm sorry I'm the reason we had to cut our trip short..." Courtney mumbled as Duncan paused his last bite. He looked at the girl with a serious expression as he shook his head and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Baby, you didn't ruin anything, I promise."

"But-"

"I'd rather go back, make sure you and our baby are staying safe and secure, than continue this trip and- knock on wood, but have something happen." He points out as the girl sighs and nods, finishing the last of her meal. She puts on a small smile as she rubbed his knuckles and chuckles. "How'd you go from being a delinquent to such a caring person?"

He snorts at her comparison as he finishes his meal and shakes his head.

"Literally only with and for you." He admits as Courtney smiles once more and leans over to peck his lips. "Can I ask you something...?"

Duncan raises an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee and nods, "Yeah?"

She bites on her lower lip as she contemplates before asking, "Why did you choose to go out with me... and not... Gwen? She's healthy, you have a past with her, she cares about you and-"

He stops her mid sentence, his eyebrows furrowed together as he was caught off guard by her sudden question about his ex.

"Why would you say that?" He questions as she looked down and shrugs. It was always on her mind, to be truthful. But she only now, wanted to know his answer. "I don't know, I just-"

"Has she said anything to you?" He raised his eyebrow once more and sits up as Courtney looks up at him, taken aback by his response. "No, or well... in school, but not now-"

"Wait a minute, you never told me she said anything to you back then. What did she say?" For some reason, he felt quite heated upon finding out Gwen had said something to her as he knew it was probably in her mind for quite some time. He noticed the way she looked practically anywhere but towards him, and rubbed in between her finger and thumb. "It's nothing, Duncan, it's-"

"Tell me." He says lowly as she closes her eyes for a brief moment and confesses. "She said I'm just a temporary safe place for you and that when I'm gone... you'd go finding someone else new... or whenever you get bored of me."

His eyes widen by hearing those words as he felt himself become heated.

"Why the fuck would she say that?" He snapped as she flinched at his explicit words. He noticed and tried to take a deep breath, taking a step back as he gently holds both her hands and makes her look up at him. "Don't listen to her, that's bull- that's not true. Princess, I'd never get bored of you, and I can't leave you... I won't leave you, we're married, don't forget that. She's just bitter and being a real b-word."

Courtney couldn't help but smile softly at his  attempt on covering 'bitch' as she sighs and looks into his eyes, observing his rage as she squeezes their hands.

"But... I mean, she's not wrong... I'm only here temporarily-"

"Don't say that." He cuts her off sternly as she puts on a small smile and rubbed his knuckles. "I'm not gonna be here long, Dunkie..."

He refused to hear those words as he shakes his head. But to Courtney, that is what she needed to hear.

Her coming to the fact that it's true... she won't be there long.

"I don't want you to waste the rest of your life mourning me when it happens..." she whispers as he looks at her, refusing to let his eyes burn as he chews on his inner lip. "You're here. Right now. I don't wanna think of after, I just want us to focus on what's now."

Courtney makes a small smile as she reaches and cups one of his cheeks, caressing softly.

"If this baby-"

"When this baby comes." He corrects as Courtney chuckles softly. "When this baby comes... don't let him or her grow without a mother..."

He shakes his head, not wanting to hear it, as Courtney squeezes once more and lifts his hands to reciprocate, kissing his knuckles.

"I don't want you to be lonely."

"I wouldn't." He argued gently, pointing to her belly as she laughed sadly and placed a hand over her belly. "Not just them..."

Duncan looked away as he didn't want to think about that right now. She was with him right now, and she's the only one he wants with him.

"Let's just focus on right now... please." He asks softly as Courtney makes a small smile and nods, the two of them sitting in a moment of silence before getting up to throw their food away as they realize they should make their way to the airport soon.

The car was still filled with a moment of silence as Courtney sighed softly, looking out the window. Duncan was still affected by her words as he refused to think that, but also kept thinking about what Gwen had told her: it pissed him off.

"I just wanna make one thing clear." He says softly as the girl turns her head to look at him and nods. "Don't... and I mean don't ever, listen to whatever bull crap she says. And two, if I don't want to find someone else to be his or her mother because I don't think anyone else would as suitable for our child, please don't convince me otherwise."

Courtney was surprised by his requests, but couldn't hide a smile on her face as she nodded slowly and watched as he kissed her knuckles once more. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Chapter Text

As the two rest in the airport, awaiting for their flight, Courtney rests her head on his shoulder as he comfortingly held her hand and caressed her knuckles while resting his head over hers.

He had debated on telling her the synopsis the doctor had given to him, but decided best to hold back for now. He didn't want to worry her about anything else as he closed his eyes and tried to clear his thoughts.

"Flight 6D now boarding to Canada, flight 6D now boarding." They overhear the attendee call out as Courtney slowly lifts her head, squeezing for them that it was time to go. He grabbed both their bags as he held his hand out for her, "Ready?"

Courtney nods as she gently takes his hand in hers before grabbing their tickets as they walk towards their gate to enter the plane.

"You can sit near the aisle in case you have to use the bathroom... I heard when you get pregnant, you constantly feel like peeing." Courtney couldn't help but chuckle at his random fact as she nodded and smiled softly. "Here's to the next 9 hours."

Duncan snorts as he shakes his head at her statement and sighs. "If you feel uncomfortable, let me know, okay?"

The two smile at one another as they greet the flight attendants and pilot, making their way down the aisle as they look for their seats. Duncan couldn't help but secretly thank the Lord that their seat was close to the bathroom as he moved over for the girl to sit down, and he lifted their luggage to put it in the overhead above them. He then makes his way past her as he sits by the window and buckles up, as does she. The two silently began talking amongst one another as they talked about their plans as to when they would arrive. Courtney quickly pulls out her phone as she begins to text her father letting him know the update, yet little did she know Duncan had been doing that throughout the whole trip.

To: Dad

Hi Dad, we're flying home a bit earlier than expected... we have some news to share with you, so just a fair warning, please don't be upset with us. Also, please remember we are married anyway, I love you and can't wait to see you soon <3

Duncan couldn't help but peek over her shoulder as he chuckled at her text. She looked out the window and smiled softly as he was glad that they at least got to spend a few days out of the country and got to finally do things they had never gotten to do before.

"Thank you for taking me here, Dunkie." Courtney whispers as he turns to look at her and smiles softly before kissing her forehead. She hummed happily while closing her eyes. "Of course, princess. I'm just glad that we got to experience this together and got to try new things together.

He lightened the mood by wiggling his eyebrows, making the girl laugh as she lightly slapped her shoulder while trying to ignore the tint in her cheeks. 

"Wanna know another fact I learned about pregnancy?" He teased as Courtney playfully rolled her eyes, but nods. "Sure."

Dunkin smart as he leaned close against her ear before whispering, "I heard if you do it when it's almost time for the due date or when it's the actual due date... It helps the birthing process easier." He winked as Courtney's cheeks flushed a darker shade of pink while nudging his side.

"No, I'm serious!" Duncan stated as he raised his hands halfway in defense. Courtney couldn't help but laugh softly as she thought about looking that up later to see if it was true... But she wouldn't mind the idea. "Sure."

Soon it was time to leave the island as the two held hand tightly anticipating the plane taking off as Duncan made sure the girl had securely strapped herself.

--9 hours later; after the flight--

Duncan couldn't help but grown as he got up and stretched once their plane had landed. He grabs their bags as they make their way out of the plane.

"your mom says they're in the front." Courtney smiled as she showed him the text, making him chuckle softly as he nodded and held her hand as they made their way down to the front. Soon reaching out as they looked around for his parents. To their surprise, as they approach the vehicle Courtney's father stepped out as she squealed and ran up to him hugging him tightly as he reciprocated the same action. "Dad!"

Mr Satella couldn't help but smile as he engulfed the girl in his arms, hugging tightly as did Duncan's mother with him. She kissed his forehead as he scratched his nose and chuckled softly.

"we were only gone for a few days." Duncan snorted as his mother had both hands on her hips, "and? A few days is still a lot for both your parents."

Mr Satella chuckles at her statement as Duncan hugs his father as well, not noticing his mother's soft smile as she was glad he was finally getting along with his father.

"I didn't know you'd be coming." Courtney smiled at her father as he chuckled and helped put their bags in the vehicle. "Well, Stacy had informed me that they were going to pick you guys up, and then I got your message about having to tell me something, so she suggested I come with, and I do miss my little girl, so why not come?"

Courtney's smile slowly drops as she remembers the fact that she had to tell her father, and she chews on her lower lip as she contemplates how to tell him. Duncan could tell the girl was nervous as he stepped up. Holding her hand as he walked up to the girl and her father, and greeted them. "Sir... we're having a baby."

If one could describe a ghost, it would be Courtney's father after hearing the news.

"But Courtney-" she sighed softly, cutting him off and looking away before looking back at him. "I know... but, I want this... my last wish."

Her eyes pleaded with him as though he wanted to have an outburst, his eyes slowly softened as he sighed and cupped the girl's face in his hands.

"I don't know what I would do without you." Her smile slowly comes back as she hugs him tightly and closes her eyes before whispering, "Well, now you'll have a mini me..."

Just those few words seemed to give him a mixed feeling as he felt happy but sad all at once.

"You better take very good care of my girl." Mr Tarun sternly tells Duncan, as the boy couldn't help but smile softly as he nods. "Always."

As they all get into the vehicle, they begin making their way to the hospital, as his father wanted to take a few tests on her, wanting to double-check on how her symptoms are going and how the baby is inside of her. The two ladies lost in their communication is Duncan couldn't help but smile when seeing how his mother and the girl interacted, it was as if Courtney was the daughter that she had always wanted.

"Do you think it's possible for her to get any better..." Duncan mumbled so that only his father could hear as he sat in the front, so that his mother and Courtney could catch up. Dunkin's father stays silent for a moment before exhaling as he reaches over and gives the boy's hand a small squeeze. "Only time will tell..."

Once they had reach the hospital Courtney sighs softly as she follows Mr Tarun to one of the rooms. Looking back at Duncan as he smiled softly and reassured her that he'd be right here waiting for her when he gets allowed in, along with her father. Soon disappearing from his sight as his smile slowly drops. He feels a heavy weight on his shoulder as he turns slightly and sees her father's hand on his shoulder.

"I know you're doing the very best you can, son." Mr Satella reassures the boy as Duncan takes a deep breath and sits while his mother and her father sit on opposite sides of him, comforting the boy. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter I know at first I despised you, I loathed you... But what would that get me? Nothing as the Lord always told to forgive... But you, my son... I can see how much you care about her."

Duncan couldn't help but lean forward as he buried his face with his hands. 

"Are you ready to be a father?" The older man asked the boy as his mother rubbed his back comfortingly. For a brief moment, the boy said nothing before lifting his head back up as he earnestly looked at her father and nodded. "I'd do anything for her."

Mr Satella couldn't help but smile softly as he was glad the gods had finally found happiness for his daughter. Though it was coming from the person he expected the least, he was nonetheless more proud of how much the boy had changed.

"I'm proud of you, Duncan." For some reason, those words from the older male seemed to hit Duncan as he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "I appreciate that, sir."

After what felt like forever, his father comes out with a mixed expression on his face making the three of them get up as they approached him nervously.

"What's the news?" Duncan asked immediately as he looked at him. "Well... The baby is doing well, still fairly new so it's best that she keeps coming back every month so that way we can get a check on the baby."

"What's the other news?" He asked softly as Mr Tarun rubbed the back of his neck, "it seems as if her body had started over, and she's reacting well again to the treatment. The only thing I can say is, because this had happened before and then she started declining again I would prefer if she stay in here for a few months so that way we can keep closer track of her elevations and her body reactants so that way we can try and figure out what triggers her and hopefully find a way to make her stay longer... Of course if that's OK with you first, Mr Satella."

Though her father wanted to give his entire input, he turned to Dunkin as he placed a hand on his shoulder fully trust in him. "He is her husband... what is your call?"

Duncan had a hard time wrapping everything around his head as to what his father had just told them.

"S-so you're saying she continues to stay here for a few months and continues her treatments... It's possible that she and the baby could stay longer?" Dunkin says softly as his father not and place is a hand on his shoulder. "I cannot guarantee 100% but that is why I am suggesting that she proceeds with this treatment and stays here for the next few months that way we can keep track of her."

Duncan ran his fingers through his hair as he thought of various things. He knows for a fact she hated getting her hopes up with the treatments... but for this possibility? He desperately wanted to.

"Can I see her..." He asks softly as Mr Tarun nods and takes him to the room. Courtney, who is lying down in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as she had not been updated yet with the news. Dunkin slowly opens her door as she turns, eyes lighting up once more when she sees her lover walk in. "Dunkie..."

"Hey baby." He says softly, kissing her forehead as he caresses her cheek. "You okay?"

"Nervous... but curious." She admits as he chuckles softly. She scoots over on the bed, giving him a room as he laughs softly and climbs in beside her. "What's the news..."

As he began to explain everything that he had just found out to her, he couldn't help but try to read her facial expressions as they were giving him mixed signals.

"W-what should I do..." She says quietly as he gently caresses her cheek, small smile as he decides to be honest. "I think you should do it... I know you hate getting your hopes up, and I know this has been a repetitive cycle for you, and I'm probably not one to talk as you're the one who's feeling it more than I am, but... Maybe I'm selfish, but I think you should do this. With the possibility for you to live longer, maybe even get to see her baby grow - who knows how many years? I know it's a risk, but I'd do anything to have you stay longer with me..."

Courtney's eyes welled up as she slowly cups one of his cheeks. He leans against her touch as she contemplates and looks at his father, who has just come in.

"I'll do it..."

Chapter Text

4 months later...

Duncan sighed tiredly as he walks into his house. Plopping onto the couch as he had finished his part time shift at a juvenile center and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"God, my karma for my old times." He grumbled as he reminisced on his times being back there when he was younger. Lord did he wish he could call his old handlers and apologize for his actions back then. Yet there is, back again but on the opposite side.

He had realized that was what he wanted to do; especially, based on experience. Helping people, or at least helping kids who were like him and try do and be better.

He closed his eyes and leaned back, exhausted - before awakening him as his phone rings. He grumbles, praying it wasn't work as he reaches for his phone in his pocket, and soon all his troubles wash away as her name pops up.

"Hey, princess... how're you feeling?" He sits up with a small smile on his face. Sometimes there's days where he's allowed in, and sometimes he was not; just to at least help the process of her treatments. "I'm good... hey, do you think you can come by... I miss you."

He cooed, knowing she was pouting at with those words as he checked the time.

8:45pm

"You think I still can... it's pretty late?" He sighs, as much as he wanted to, he'd never want to risk any part of her treatment. Courtney whines as she rubbed her belly that was starting to grow. "Yes, I demanded them. Plus, I think the baby's starting to move!"

His eyes widen as he immediately gets up, all the tiredness going away, instead filled with excitement as he grabbed his keys.

"Are you serious? Does it hurt? Is the baby okay-"

"Duncan, the baby is fine... it's normal for them to start kicking and moving once they're at their 16th-25th weeks in." She cuts him off with her fact and giggles, making the boy sigh in relief as he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the house into his car. "Thank god... do you know what gender it is?"

"I do... but I wanna tell you when you get here." He couldn't help but make a small smile at her excitement as he sighs. He was starting to feel more happier once again. Just hearing her giggle, laugh, noticing her smile again and starting to look less fragile... it brought him hope once more.

"Fine, I'm on my way. See you in 30 okay?" She responds with a delighted hum as he smiled and started his car. The two bid their usual "I love you." Before hanging up as he drove (somewhat speeding, but not too much) to the hospital.

He takes a quick detour to the store as he gets out and goes in. Duncan stops by the flowers as he's been doing whenever he visits her, to the point the workers started remembering him - which made him chuckle, until hearing a familiar voice.

"Duncan?" He turns, eyes widen upon seeing Gwen not too far down. To say he was delighted to see an old friend would be a lie, as seeing her reminded him of what Courtney had told him. "Gwen."

She raised an eyebrow at his short response and walked over to him, about to nudge him teasingly but failing as he stepped back.

"Uh... how've you been?" She asked, faking a smile as he did not hide his annoyed look and just looked at her. Gwen cleared her throat as she crossed her arms. "What's your deal?"

"You." He stated blandly before looking back at what flowers to get. Gwen flares for a moment before turning his shoulder to look at her, making him shrug her right off. "What did I do-"

"Don't you ever talk to her like that again? Or talk about her like that again. Do you understand me?" Her eyebrows raise at his sudden tone as she, for a moment, didn't know what he was talking about before remembering what he meant. "Is this about Courtney? Look, I-"

"I don't care what you have to say, save it. Unless it's you apologizing to her, save it." He responds bluntly as he picked out the prettiest flowers and walks past her, straight to the register.

"Bro!" His eyes widen upon seeing, Geoff. A small smile tugs at his lips as he chuckles and daps him up. "Dude, what're you doing here? I thought you're working with Bridge at the animal sanctuary?"

Geoff chuckles as he rang up the flowers, holding them up as he winked; knowing who it was for.

"Oh, I still am. But I just wanted a little side gig so that I could take her on a trip - speaking of, how was Hawai'i?" He grinned, slipping Duncan a little 50% discount as Duncan chuckled and pulled out his card. "Amazing, had to cut the trip a bit short but great. Bridgette would for sure love it there."

Geoff sighed as he nods, "Yeah I know. It's like her dream destination... but how's mocha? Treatment going good?"

"Yeah, rough since I can't see her as much but she's doing better... and uh-" he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, realizing they hadn't told their best (couple) friends as he reveals, "she's - we're actually gonna have a baby."

"What?!" Geoff shouts as a few customers and employees turn to face him. He awkwardly apologizes and laughs it off before going around and grabbing the boy for a tight squeeze. The old Duncan would hate this type of reaction. But now, he just chuckles as he pats his back and smiles. "Dude, congrats! Holy sh- crap, I mean... a baby? That's... that's amazing news!"

"I know." Duncan chuckles as he's about to pay for the flowers, but gets cut off by Geoff as he blocks it. "Take it... on the house. Hey, tell Mocha I know Bridge does miss her. Text me which hospital and maybe we'll stop by and see her."

Duncan smiles softly as he nods and daps him up once more. "Definitely. I know she'd love that too so, I'll let her know."

"Hey man... congrats. I really am happy for you." Geoff says sincerely as Duncan smiles once more. "Thanks man, hey, I'll hit you up soon. Maybe we could go out for drinks."

"Definitely." Geoff nods as the two bid each other farewell while walking towards the exit. Noticing Gwen nearby the register, he knew she'd had to have heard the news... he hoped she'd heard the news.

As he drives back once more, he soon reached the hospital and makes his way to her room. Greeting the nearby nurses and doctors who remember him passing by as they cooed at his flowers.

He slowly opens the door, peeking in as Courtney looks up from her books and grins brightly.

"Dunkie!" She cooed as he chuckles and reveals flowers, making her smile even brighter as she holds her hands out. Duncan couldn't help but feel in awe of her as he walked over, giving her a light peck on the lips before handing her the flowers as she smelled them and sighed. "Thank you, these are beautiful."

He smiles softly as he replaces the old flowers he had given her, and puts the new ones in the vase beside her bed. The girl scoots over, giving him room as he moved beside her and rests his hand on her belly - immediately feeling a slight movement underneath as his eyes widen.

"Did the baby just-"

"Kick... yes she did." Courtney giggled as he grinned goofily and moves down, resting his head gently on her belly as he rubbed it. "Hey... it's your dad... I can't wait to see you..."

Courtney smiles softly as she gently ran her fingers through his hair, "how was work?"

"Exhausting." He sighed, softly yawning by her touch as she continued and chuckles softly. "I'm proud of you though... especially for going into that type of field to help kids..."

"I mean... I was once them." Duncan chuckles as did she. The baby kicks once more, making him smile again as he continually rubbed her belly. "I think she's excited to finally hear your voice."

Duncan looked up at her goofily as he sits up beside her. "So, what's the gender?"

Her smile slowly drops as she snorts and laughs softly, realizing he didn't get her hints - or well, spoiler, technically. But cooed, as she rubbed his cheek.

"I've been saying the gender." Courtney chuckles as he raised an eyebrow before soon going back on what she had said as his eyes widen. Grabbing both her hands gently as his eyes grew with excitement. "A girl?!"

"A girl." She grinned as the two pull each other into a tight-but-not-too-tight embrace. She giggles at his excitement as they pull apart slowly and kiss each other happily. "Man, ma was right."

Courtney giggled as she rubbed her belly gently.

"They said she's looking pretty good... healthy, thank god." Courtney stated as Duncan smiled and also, rubbed her belly. "I'm glad... Also, guess who also works part time."

Courtney cocks her head to the side, unsure as Duncan chuckles.

"Geoff."

"But I thought he worked at the sanctuary with Bridge?" She responded, quite confused as he nods. "Still does... he just wants to make some extra to take her on a trip."

Courtney cooed as she smiled softly, realizing she too, missed their friends.

"He told me too that Bridge misses you... could they also come visit?" Her eyes widen as she nodded almost immediately. "Of course! I'd be happy if they came."

Duncan smiles softly as he caressed her cheek, making the girl lean against his touch. Duncan couldn't help but admire her as he leaned in and kissed her once more.

"I missed you..." she says softly as he smiled back and moved a piece of her hair away from her face. "I missed you too."

Chapter Text

Courtney gagged as she hurled into the toilet, making Duncan sigh as he held her hair back and held a water bottle, waiting for her to finish.

The treatments seem to be doing its job, yet it still made her weak from time to time as the mix of pregnancy and the treatments started taking a toll on her body.

"Let it all out, Baby." Duncan says softly, rubbing her back as she kept throwing up until she felt empty. She groans softly before sitting back as he cooed and hands her the bottle, watching her drink before carrying her back to bed and rubbing her hip. "Feel better?"

"Barely..." Courtney mumbled but rests her head against his shoulder as they climb into the hospital bed together. Duncan chuckles softly, kissing her forehead as the two cuddled. "She's also killing me."

Duncan smiles as he rubbed her belly gently, feeling a kick as she hissed and held her belly.

"Gentle, babygirl. You don't wanna hurt mama." Duncan says softly to her belly as he kissed it and rubs gently. Courtney couldn't help but make a small smile as she sighed and ran her fingers through his hair gently. "Duncan..."

He hums, looking up at her as she gently caresses his cheek and smiles softly. "Do you think I'll be here when our baby turns one?"

His smile slowly drops as he moves up, face to face level with her, while caressing her cheek and nodding, "Of course... they say you're doing better and you're already at 7 months. Why would you say that?"

Courtney sighs softly as she shrugs and looks down at her stomach. " I wanna be able to see her when she takes her first steps..."

"And you will," he reassures her as the girl smiles softly and looks up at him. "Have I ever told you how much you mean to me..."

Duncan - despite being with her for quite some time- still felt flutters in his chest as he smiled and pulled her close. " I don't know what I'd do without you, honestly... I mean, look at me now."

Courtney giggles as she cups his face in her hands, pulling him close and lightly kissing his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too," Duncan whispers while kissing her forehead once more. Though there was a part of him that was still worried about the what-if, he couldn't tell her that. He loved the girl more than anything, so much that he'd rather do any torturous activity rather than get her involved. " Did you take your medicine?"

Courtney nodded, showing him her bottle as she knew not to question his worry after what had happened before. He couldn't help but take a breath of relief as he checked, glad that she had been trying to get better.

"I'm gonna stop by the store real quick and get lunch. What're you craving? I heard pregnancy gives you weird cravings, so hit me." Courtney snorts at his 'facts' and thinks for a moment. "Hm... maybe peanut butter... and grapes?"

Duncan waves it off as he lets out a soft 'ah,' assuming it'd be something worse.

"Not too bad, alright, I'll get it though. You just lie back down, and try to make yourself comfortable now, alright?" He lays her back gently as she smiles softly and nods. "Please drive safely, alright?"

He nods, kissing her forehead before walking out. As he walks out, he grins upon seeing two of their friends. "Guys! In here."

As Bridgette and Geoff spot him, they smile and wave. Duncan smiles as he sees Geoff holding a small bouquet for her and daps him up while giving Bridgette a side hug.

"Please watch over her, she's been getting that morning sickness. I'll be back, I'm just gonna get lunch. You guys need anything?" The two shake their heads as Bridgette smiles brightly. "How's she doing so far?"

"Good, she's still adjusting to the weight of it, but other than that, you know her." Duncan chuckles as do they before parting ways. He couldn't help but chuckle as he could hear the two girls squeal, knowing their hugging each other as he smiled softly.

As he gets into his vehicle, he texts Courtney's father, just updating him on how she's been, and sighs before driving off. He taps the steering wheel, humming to the beat of the music as he focuses on the road.

Once at the store, he looked through the options of sandwiches and contemplated which to get.

"I heard the Ham, egg, and cheese is pretty good." Duncan looks up at the familiar voice, eyes widening as he spots another old friend. "What the hell!"

The two dudes chuckle as they walk up to Duncan.

"Trent, shit, look at you." He teased before turning to the other. "I'll take your word, Dj. How've you guys been?!"

"Great." Trent chuckles as Dj nods. "Been helping Mama with her restaurant, so I'm good too. What about you? I heard you're expecting a baby, man, congrats!"

Duncan's eyes widened as he hadn't told them.

"Geoff told you?" He questions, but caught on by the two looking at each other as Trent scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Um... Gwen."

"She told us you confronted her at the store last time she saw you... What happened?" Dj questioned as Duncan rolled his eyes at the memory. He began to explain to them what happened, and what she had told Courtney as the two shook their heads and sighed. "That's,.. actually pretty messed up."

"Exactly... which is why I can't forgive her. I mean, who tells that to someone?" Duncan scoffed as Trent cleared his throat. "I... uh, am dating her- or well, we're seeing each other right now. But if that crosses the line with you, I can stop-"

Duncan stops him midway as he chuckles softly, "You're my guy, dude. Why would I stop you? Plus, I'm with Courtney, and that's gonna stay that way. Just make sure she doesn't hurt you. That's what matters to me."

Trent couldn't help but smile at his words, as did Dj. "Man, she made you a softie now, huh?"

Duncan snorts at his words and rolls his eyes playfully. "She means a lot to me, man. It's crazy."

Dj smiles as he places his hand on Duncan's shoulder, "We're happy for you. Genuinely, honestly, I'm glad she changed you. No offense, but I like this version of you more."

Duncan chuckles softly before grabbing the sandwich and sighs, "I should head back though, gotta get her some peanut butter and grapes."

The three laugh as he looks at them once more and smiles.

"Hey, I told Geoff whenever we're all free, we should get drinks again soon," Duncan suggests as the others nod and smile back. As they bid each other farewell, Duncan couldn't help but rethink Dj's comment once more.

I'm glad she changed you. No offense, but I like this version of you more.

Was I that bad?

He shook the thoughts away, grabbed the two she had requested before checking out, and walked out. He hops back in his car and starts the engine, driving off as soon as it is ready.

As he continues making his way back to the hospital, his phone buzzes. He tries to reach for it, realizing he left it on the back seat, and curses softly. One hand on the steering wheel, and one trying to reach for it on the back, his mind starts playing games with him as he thought, what if it's Courtney? What if something happened?

He curses softly, still trying to reach it while driving.

Fuck it. He thought, quickly turning back to reach and grab it. Yet that was a mistake.

As he grabs it and quickly turns back, his eyes widen as a car - moving quite fast, immediately cuts in front of him. Hitting the front of his car as he spun and gets hit by another car, making him crash against the cement blocker and knocking him out.

Courtney sighs as she hears the call go to voicemail. She chews on her bottom lip as Bridgette rubs her knuckles, reassuring her.

"I'm sure he'll be back; there's probably traffic." Bridgette comments as Courtney makes a small smile and nods, only to hiss as she feels her stomach in pain once more. Bridgette noticed and immediately helped her sit up as she let the girl squeeze her hand.

A shot of pain hits her once more, making her back arch slightly as she whimpers. "C-Call the doctor."

"W-what?" Bridgette stutters, eyes widening as Geoff gets out of the bathroom. His eyes widening when seeing Courtney start to look pale, Bridgette immediately tells him to find a doctor, and he nods and rushes out.

The pain seems to hit her even stronger than before as she shakily grabs her phone, trying to call Duncan again. Once hearing the voicemail, she couldn't help but curse under her breath as her eyes began to water.

"Bridge, what's going on?" She whimpers as the blonde just nervously rubs her knuckles, unsure of what to say. She opens her mouth to say anything, and thanks the lord when Geoff finally arrives with her Doctor and nurses. They go beside Courtney, checking her while moving the stuff off her bed, and removing the blanket.

She couldn't help but notice the nurses and doctor whispering to one another as she looked up at them. "W-what is it, tell me!"

"Ms. Tarun... I think you're about to give birth." The nurse says to her softly as their eyes widen. "B-but Duncan, he's not here!"

"That's why we need to take you up, now. To check if you are." The doctor instructs them to take her bed up to the Labor & Delivery unit. Courtney cries as she begs Geoff to keep trying to call Duncan, hoping he answers.

Unfortunately, he does not.

Chapter Text

Courtney cried out in fear as she squeezed Bridgette's hand, "W-Where is he?"

Bridgette bit her bottom lip as she looked out the door, waiting for both their guys to come in as she forced a smile while squeezing her hand back.

"I'm sure they'll be here any minute." Bridgette reassures as Courtney screams once more, pushing as instructed. She wasn't ready. She didn't feel ready. The baby was only 7.5 months, that's not enough.

Courtney screams once more, trying to push as she notices a pale Geoff appear by the door. Bridgette turns to see him as she kisses the girls knuckles, "I'll be back. Just keep pushing."

Courtney nods as she tries once more. Arching her back in pain while trying to make out what the two were saying near the door. Yet, the stiffness and pale look spreading across her friends face, made Courtney worry as she takes deep breaths in between struggles.

"G-Geoff, where is he?" Courtney questions as her monitor starts racing. The doctor and nurses notice as they try to calm the girl down as it wasn't good for her or the baby. "Courtney, I'm gonna need you to focus on pushing first. We need-"

"Geoff, where is he?" Courtney shouts, tears welling up as she begins to feel light headed. From the worry, to the amount of blood coming out- Bridgette immediately makes her way to her. Cupping her face as Courtney whimpers, "Tell me."

"Court, you need to push. Deep breaths, come on." Bridgette tries to distract her as the girl still looked at Geoff; who felt many emotions as he looks up at Courtney apologetically.

Before the girl could say anything, her father rushed in- taking place of Duncan as she cries to him.

"Daddy, what's going on?" She whimpers as he realized she didn't know. It crushed his heart as he realized what was going on all at once, but knew what was important right now- was helping her push that baby out safely and securing both of them. Yet, hearing her call him daddy once more, brought him back as if she was a little kid, begging for help as he held her hand tightly. "Honey, I don't wanna tell you anything yet. But you need to push, push before you pass out."

Courtney hiccups her tears as she tries. Pain being unbearable as she screams out loud, nails piercing his skin as he tries to ignore it and encourage her to continue.

After a few agonizing hours, they finally see the head as the baby comes. At this point, Courtney was feeling very lightheaded and pale. Sweating like crazy as she drops back onto the bed, panting heavily until she was finally delivered.

"D-daddy..." Courtney says softly. Heavy breathing as she soon gets overtaken by darkness.

Her eyes slowly opens, squinting at the light above her as she tries to sit up, but hisses at the pain below. Ms. Tarun and Bridgette stop her as they both go to her, laying the girl back down.

Courtney looks over at them slowly, quite weak from those grueling hours. She notices they both looked like they were hit by a bus. Puffy eyes, slumped.

"Ma..." Courtney says softly as Ms Tarun smiles sadly at the girl finally acknowledging her as another mother. She grabs the girls hand gently as Courtney looks around slowly, then panics. "W-Where's my baby... where's Duncan?"

Ms Tarun squeezes her hand as Courtney's eyes welled up.

"The baby is fine... she is premature, so she had to get put in the NICU." Ms Tarun says softly as Courtney felt her chest tightened. "A-and Duncan...?"

The two ladies look at one another, hesitant to tell her as she shouldn't be under more stress than she already was. But they couldn't keep it from her.

"He... he got into a car accident on the way back." Bridgette says softly as Courtney's eyes widen. She immediately tries to sit up, but gets laid back down as she tries to push off the two. "I-I need to see him! Where is he? Is he okay, w-why didn't anyone tell me?!"

Bridgette flinches as Courtney shouts the last part. His mother pulling Courtney gently into a hug as the girl sobs in her arms. Ms Tarun moves to sit on the bed, still holding the girls as she couldn't help but to cry with her.

"P-Please tell me he's gonna be okay..." Courtney begs as his mother pulls back gently and cups one of the girls cheek. "He's asleep right now... he just got off surgery."

Courtney felt immense relief, just knowing he was still alive as she felt her chest tightened. "W-when can I see him?"

"You need to rest first, honey..." Ms Tarun says softly as Courtney shakes her head while wiping her tears. "I-I want... I need to see him."

Ms Tarun sighs softly as she lays the girl back down gently, "Honey... you just gave birth for 8 hours. Your body needs to rest..."

"Please." Courtney croaks out as Bridgette had to step out, crying in the hall as she didn't want her reuniting with her friends to be like this. It broke her.

Ms Tarun smiles sadly as she moves a bit of Courtney's hair away from her face. "In the morning... I'll push you to his room, and you can see him, okay?"

Courtney sniffled as she wanted to argue more, but her body began crashing as she inhaled a deep breath and nodded slowly. Ms Tarun kissed the girls forehead lightly as she gets up.

"I'm gonna check on him... but you, need to rest. If you don't rest, I'm not taking you to him. Do you understand?" Courtney looks down, fidgeting between her thumb and finger before nodding slowly as she tries to close her eyes. "W-wait... where's my dad?"

"With Duncan's father in his room..." she replies softly as Courtney wipes her tears and nods. "P-please let me know if he wakes up before I see him in the morning...."

Ms Tarun smiles sadly as she nods and leaves the room. Courtney would be lying if she were to say she hadn't tried the rest of the night to not cry, as unfortunately, she ended up crying herself to sleep.

As the next morning rolls around, Courtney slowly opens her as eyes as she saw both Bridgette and Geoff by her side, making her smile sadly as she taps her friends to wake.

Geoff was the first as he sits up and rubs his eyes. "Hey mocha... how're you feeling?"

"Like crap." Courtney responds as the two chuckle. She smiles softly at Geoff and squeezes his hand as he does the same. "Can you take me to him..."

Geoff makes a small smile as he nods, "Sure, I know Ms Tarun told you in the morning so.."

He gently carries a sleeping Bridge to the couch and lays her down gently, the girl still knocked out, before walking over to Courtney as he gently lifts her to a wheelchair and sets her down. Courtney could tell she was still getting used to just sitting again, as she takes in a sharp breath, but soon relaxes once Geoff begins pushing her out the door.

"How is he..." Courtney asks softly as Geoff sighs, "He hasn't woken up yet... but hopefully soon."

Courtney makes a sad smile as she nods. As the two make their way into the elevator, she couldn't help but frown at the fact they weren't at least on the same floor and sighed nervously.

"I hope he is okay..." Courtney mumbles as Geoff gives her a reassuring smile and nods. "I'm sure he is."

Once the two get out, they soon make their way towards his room as Courtney felt her breath hitch upon seeing him.

He had a few scratches on his face; she had overheard the crash was bad, the front window shield practically smashing all over him as his leg was crushed from the front, but luckily not to the point of being amputated as he was just gonna have to stay in a cast for a while. His pale skin slightly covered in bruises as Geoff pushed her close to the boys body.

Her eyes welled up as she hesitantly reaches out for his hand and holds it close to her. Tears falling as she presses his hand against her cheek and sighs softly, closing her eyes.

"Please wake up soon..." she says softly before being caught off guard as Geoff lifts her from her seat. She was about to question him, before smiling sadly as he places her beside Duncan. A perfect amount of room as she thanks him softly, and gently rests her head against his. "I miss you... you missed the birth of our baby but... please, wake up..."

Geoff smiles sadly at the two, before excusing himself as he went to check on Bridgette.

Courtney couldn't help but look up at the sleeping boy. She caresses his cheek gently before slowly closing her eyes as she rests their head together. She felt exhausted and finally relaxed while intertwining their fingers together, soon letting her tiredness hit her as she knocks out beside him.

Ms Tarun walks in after 30-minutes, pausing when seeing the two asleep in bed as she smiles sadly. Trying not to wake either of them, she grabs a blanket and drapes it over the two before kissing both their foreheads as she let them rest. Knowing how connected they were, she felt reassured knowing for sure he'd wake up soon-

"Ma.." her eyes widen as she snaps from her thoughts. Duncan groans as he was about to move, but the weight over his chest stops him as he sees Courtney beside him, making his eyes widen as he looks up at his mother, panicked.

"Don't tell me-"

"She did..." Ms Tarun says softly as Duncan curses under his breath. A wave of pain hits him as he curses once more, yet still instinctively moves his arm around the girls body, holding her as he felt like it had been forever since he last held her. Not wanting to wake her up, he gently covers her ears, hoping it would help.

"H-how's our baby..." he bit on his inner cheek nervously as his mother caressed his cheek and sighed. "She's in the NICU... born prematurely, but she's beautiful."

Duncan couldn't help feeling immense guilt. Thinking of Courtney, probably terrified of giving birth, especially with him not around- killed him. His eyes welled up as he reached down and caressed Courtney's cheek as she snored softly.

He could tell how exhausted she looked.

"When can we see the baby?" He questions as his mother smiles softly. "Maybe when the two of you get better soon..."

He kept admiring the girl, despite her exhausted look, and kissed the top of her head. "I feel like shit making her do that alone..."

"Oh, honey, she knows that's not your fault." Ms Tarun reassured as the boy looked down, wiping his eyes. "She must've been so scared... and alone."

Ms Tarun made a sad smile as she admired the two. She admired the way she could see their immense love for one another, although she had never questioned it. But seeing it in front of her, she couldn't help but just want to cry from that.

Watching her little boy go from mischievous, always getting in trouble, hard-headed, to a lover boy who gets sensitive, loves infinitely, and strives to do better. She loved them both.

"You should rest some more, honey." Ms Tarun ran her fingers through his hair as the boy sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "Do you think she's... mad at me for not being there?"

Ms Tarun immediately shakes her head.

"Oh, baby, if anything,  she kept checking up on you, worrying nonetheless." Ms Tarun sighed as Duncan smiled sadly and nodded.

Despite his pain, he ignores it and pulls the girl close. Not wanting to leave her alone like that as he sighed.

Chapter Text

After a few days of resting, the three of them get discharged as Duncan- despite walking on a cast, pushes Courtney on a wheelchair while her father has picked them up.

What was worrisome to them was their baby still needing to stay in the NICU, but they'd surely come back to her.

"How're you two feeling?" Her father asked as the two sat in the back seat. Courtney sighed as she rests her head on Duncan's shoulder. "Still in pain... but not as much as the last few days."

Her father nods while looking at Duncan who sighs as well, "my head still aches but, I took some pain meds so I think I'll be alright."

As the three made their way in silence, her father helps them gather a few things as he helped them settle back into their home.

"It feels like forever since I was last here." Courtney mumbles sadly as the boy squats in front of her, squeezing her hand as he managed a small smile. "But you're here now... that's what matters."

Courtney smiles sadly as she reaches and caresses his cheek. "I was so worried for you... I'm sorry I made you get me lunch..."

His eyes widen as he immediately shakes his head, holding her face in his hands as he reassures the girl. "Princess, that's not your fault. I was hungry too."

"If anything it was that drivers fault." Courtney's father mumbled with a scoff as the two look up at him with a small smile. "God forbid people drive safely."

"Thank you for helping, dad... Do you think Daisy will be okay?" Courtney asks softly as her father makes a small smile and rubs her back, "Positive. I believe she is one of gods creation... a miracle... she'll be here soon."

Duncan gives him a small smile as he looks back at the girl. Not wanting to push her in, he instead carries her inside. Courtney gasps softly as she was caught off guard, but smiles as they enter, resting her head against his shoulder.

Mr Satella smiles softly at the two as he folds up the wheelchair and carries the rest of their stuff inside.

"Now, if you two need anything.. I mean anything, don't be afraid to call me. Alright?" The two nod as Courtney reaches for her father to hug her, as he does. Before patting Duncan's shoulder as the two men smile at one another.

Once her father leaves, the two just lay in bed. Arms and legs entangled between one another as he strokes her hair, while she lightly grazed her finger against his chest.

"Did it hurt...?" She questions softly as he looked down at her confused. "Did what hurt?"

"The accident..." she mumbled as he sighs and shrugs. "Honestly, it happened so quickly. I just remembered you calling, trying to reach for my phone and then- boom, crash."

"So it was my fault..." Courtney mumbles as he immediately shakes his head, lifting her chin to make their eyes lock and continued stroking her hair. "No baby, like your dad said... that other driver shouldn't had been speeding when it was my turn."

Courtney looks down hesitant and nods, he frowned at her reaction as he gently pulls the girl up close to him. Their eyes lock as he moves a few strands behind her ear and admired her for a brief moment.

She was his everything.

He rubbed her cheek with his thumb before leaning in as their lips lock. Sparks igniting between them- feeling as if it's been a while since they last kissed each other like that.

She lids flutter shut as she kissed back. Cupping one of his cheeks in her hand and leaning closer to deepen the kiss. He swiftly pulls her on top, letting both side of her legs rest on either side of his chest as they continued. Her hands roaming his hair as she lets their tongues explore one another.

This didn't feel like just any type of kiss to them; but more of what they've been needing. Each other.

His hands gently placed on her hips as he rubbed them. However, as the kiss started getting more heated- he pulls back slowly. Courtney couldn't help but pout as he chuckles softly. Hair slightly disheveled from her fingers in them as he licked his lips.

"You still need to heal baby..." he says softly as it hits her; she had literally just given birth.  Courtney sighed as they both chuckle.  He leans up against his elbows and lightly kisses her forehead, "We can wait till then."

The girl whines but nods, caressing his cheek as she couldn't help but smile at the pace he was setting. She appreciated the way he wanted to make sure she was healed and safe before doing anything.

"Seven more weeks." She says softly as he snorts and chuckles, "You're counting?"

"I'm counting." She teases as the two kiss once more, just enjoying each others comfort and presence and anticipated the next few days, finally able to take home their babygirl.

Everything seemed to be getting put into place, perfectly.

A bit too perfect.

Something's not right

Chapter Text

After a few anticipation-filled days, the two make their way to the hospital as they constantly check on their baby. Courtney- still feeling slightly out of it as her body was still getting used to everything, bit her bottom lip as they walked towards their baby. 

"She's so tiny," Duncan says softly, not wanting to wake up the baby, as he pokes his finger through the hole where they could slightly touch her. He couldn't help but smile softly as he finally had his mini version of himself. Meanwhile, Courtney, on the other hand, was nervous as she looked at her baby and felt guilty for some reason. "What if it was my fault she came out early... I must've put her under a lot of stress to where she just wanted out."

Duncan looks at the girl, shocked and confused, as he shakes his head and gently grabs hold of her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "Princess, you don't know that. Plus, there have been many instances where are baby can be born early... I found that out through Google."

Courtney couldn't help but chuckle softly at his random fact before looking up as the doctor walked in. He greets them while looking down at the baby and smiling softly, "Thankfully, she's doing pretty well. You have my list of what to do when a baby is prematurely born, and how to take care of the baby, and what to feed the baby, correct?"

The two nod as the doctor nods in response and hands them a clipboard, "All you have to do is fill out these PaperWorks, and she's good to go home."

Courtney makes a small smile as she looks at the papers. The two signed it as there was also a pit of excitement to finally be able to take their baby girl home. At first, they were scared. Now, they were nonetheless more excited, especially Courtney, as she was just happy with the fact that she was still alive while her baby was with them.

"You ready?" Duncan looks over at Courtney as she looks up at him with a bright smile and nods, the fear suddenly washing away as she just wanted to take her home and have the three of them spend the day comfortably together.

The doctors and nurses helped them take the baby out and gently place it in the baby carrier as he looked at his daughter. Baby slowly opening its eyes, Duncan couldn't help but grin goofily as he noticed she had his eyes and eye color.

"She's beautiful." He whispers as Courtney smiles at the little one and agrees. They made their way to the home, despite him being in an accident not too long ago, he didn't want the girl to drive. But instead, just rest in the backseat with her baby. She couldn't help but admire the little girl, flipping her finger in between the baby's tiny palms and wanting to cry as the baby wrapped its tiny hands around her finger.

"Oh my God, Duncan, she's holding my hand," Courtney whispers excitedly as he chuckles and pulls out his phone to take a picture. He then proceeds to send it to his mom and her father before taking off as they make their way home.

"Do you think she's hungry?" Courtney says softly as she watches the baby stir a bit in her sleep. They make their way inside while the boy proceeds to gently place the baby in her bed and watches over her. "Maybe if she cries, that's probably how we'll know when she's hungry."

"Duncan." He looked over at the girl humming as she looked back at him, confused to He chuckled softly. We're walking over to her. "You called?"

Duncan.

"No, I didn't." Courtney chuckled before pecking his cheek and walking out to grab some other things. The boy just looked back at her, confused, before shrugging it off as he watched the baby and gently caressed her skin. He looked down at his watch, noticing the time, and gave the baby a gentle kiss on the forehead before letting her sleep as he walked out to find Courtney.

He walked downstairs expecting her to be down there, yet saw no one.

"Babe?" He calls out in the living room, to no response. Duncan raises an eyebrow as he walks into the kitchen, and yet does not spot her there either. "Princess?"

As he kept hearing no response, something in him started to worry, and he started moving around faster. Going back up the stairs, he opened their bedroom door, calling out for her, and yet still no response. He ran his fingers through his hair, frustratedly, wondering where the hell she was as he ran back down. As he was about to open the front door, his heart dropped when he saw her confused as she was about to open the door.

Courtney looked at him confused before noticing his eyes were slightly tearing up. With no question, she immediately hugs the boy, pulling him close as he immediately wraps his arms around her and buries his head against her neck. Though she wanted to question what was wrong,  she instead just remained silent and held the boy as he silently whimpered like a child and kept stroking her hair to make sure she was there.

After a few minutes, she slowly pulls back from him in cups his face slightly, leaning forward as she kisses his forehead and frowns at his current state.

"Don't be sad, baby," Courtney says softly, caressing his cheek as he sighs and nods. "I-I just thought-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the sound of their baby wailing caught their attention as the two looked at one another before rushing upstairs and immediately checking on her. Courtney cooed as she lifted the baby gently, lifted her shirt, and held the baby against her nipple, figuring the baby was hungry, as she would be correct.  Courtney couldn't help but smile softly as she watched the baby slowly stop crying and begin drinking.

"I think you should probably rest too, Duncan," Courtney whispers to the boy, as he had planned to argue against it. Yet, despite himself, his body said otherwise as he yawned. Yet, it didn't feel right to leave her there as Courtney gave him a reassuring smile and ushered him to lie down in their bed. "I'll be there after."

Duncan gives her a small smile as he nods and kisses her forehead before kissing the baby's forehead as he walks to the room and lies down. His mind kept going back to earlier as he thought about looking for her. Wondering why it felt so... Real and why it felt as if he actually couldn't find her for a moment. After a few moments of debating and contemplating with himself, he looks over and watches the girl come into the room before holding his arm out, making the girl laugh. She climbs into bed beside him, slipping into his arms as the two hold each other close. 

"You're so cold." Courtney teases as Duncan stays quiet for a moment before holding her closer to him. "You're so warm."

She just stays there momentarily in silence before feeling her eyes slowly get heavier and heavier as she soon falls asleep.

Chapter Text

The next few days felt like sleepless nights. Cassie cried throughout the night as they each took turns taking shifts on taking care of her when she cried.

Courtney sighed as she closed her eyes while brewing a cup of coffee.

4:56 am - too early to be up, but too late to fall back asleep as she yawned. The feeling of arms wrapping around her waist made her slowly open her eyes as she smiled softly at the boy resting his head against her shoulder, yawning as well. "Man... I finally got her to sleep after changing her diaper and rocking her a million times."

Courtney chuckled softly as she turned around, wrapping her arms around him as the two hugged. Just in each other's arms, their eyes slowly closed. The exhaustion hit them before the sound of the coffee maker dinging, signaling it was done.

"You're really making coffee right now?" Duncan chuckles softly as Courtney yawns once more and nods. "No point in falling back asleep, what if she wakes up again..."

Duncan cooed as he gently pulled back from their embrace, cupping the girl's face in his hands and pressing his lips lightly against her forehead.

"You know what, you sleep... I'll take care of Cassie for the next few hours, alright?" He proposed as Courtney pouts, "What about you? Aren't you tired?"

"Very... but I'm not the one who still needs to heal after childbirth." Duncan points out that Courtney couldn't help but feel a smidge bad. He noticed, giving her a reassuring tired smile as he moved to grab the pot of coffee. "Plus, thank you for making coffee. I'll drink this. You hear back and sleep, understand?"

"But Duncan-" he gently places a finger over her lips, cutting her off as he chuckled once more. "Sleep, princess."

Courtney sighed. As much as she wanted to argue, she could feel her body shutting down as she sighed and nodded. Leaning up to peck his cheek before slowly walking upstairs. "But if you start feeling very tired... switch with me, alright?"

Duncan gave her a small smile before nodding, turning back to make himself a cup of coffee, and sighing. The past few days, he's noticed how lightheaded he's been getting, maybe sleep-deprived?

He grabbed the cup, slowly making his way upstairs as he sipped and yawned. As he approached their baby's room, he peeks in, sitting down on the rocking chair beside her crib and sets down his cup gently on the table.

Duncan watched as their baby girl slept cutely. He couldn't help but smile softly as he gently placed her blanket over her and admired their creation. It changed him.

He no longer felt overprotective of just himself; now he had a family. Courtney and Davina meant the world to him as he watched

Duncan opens his eyes, seeing a blurry vision of people surrounding him. Why was he

The sky was so beautiful that day, the way Courtney

The way Courtney

Courtney

Chapter Text

Duncan felt a whirlwind of pain and confusion as his vision kept coming in and out of sight.

His vision slightly blurred as he could see people around him, trying to get him out of the vehicle.

He was confused.

"Courtney" he muttered softly, he could slightly make out a bunch of yelling and so forth as he tried to reach for his phone yet something felt heavy on him as if he could not move. "Help me..."

Duncan felt his vision darkened as he slowly leaned his head back and fully closed his eyes. The smell of iron fills his nose as he couldn't comprehend what was happening. 

"Sir?"
"Duncan?"
"Sir!"

He snaps out of it, sitting up quickly as Courtney jumped back at his abrupt awakening. Duncan immediately pats his body as Courtney bends down in front and places her hand on his cheek.

"Baby, you were just dreaming." She says softly while rocking the baby has Duncan curses under his breath and looks up at her apologetically. "I'm sorry... did I wake you?"

She looks at him confused before standing up once more as she points at the time. His eyes widen as he rubs them and looks once more.

He had been out for five hours as it was now almost 10 AM compared to when he was last up around 4-4:30AM.

"Luckily only now she cried, but I figured she was hungry." Courtney points out as Duncan sits back, rubbing his temples. "Bad dream?"

"Yeah, uh... the accident. I... keep dreaming about it." He mumbled as Courtney frowns and kisses his head gently. "Maybe you do need more rest, baby."

"But Davina-"

"I got her. I took a good nap. It's your turn." She reassured as Duncan couldn't help but give her a small smile as he gets up and gently holds her waist. "I love you."

"I love you too." She says softly with a smile as she pecks his lips. "Now, go rest... you look like you were the one who gave birth."

Duncan snickered at her comment as he sighed and nods, making his way to their room. But something didn't feel right. 

He grabs his phone, trying to call his mother but notices the line just ringing. It doesn't directly go to voicemail nor does she answer. He looks down, noticing the line still ringing as he suddenly fell asleep to his head. He groans before immediately lying down as he looks up at the ceiling.

What was going on?

And then he hears it.

He hears her.

Crying.

Duncan slowly gets up once more as he makes his way to her. There she was, sitting on the rocking chair with the baby in her hands as Kourtney cried.

"Baby, what's wrong?" he questions walking towards her as she doesn't turn to face him. He continues to make his way towards her, confusion spreading across his face as she cries harder.

Surprisingly, Davina was still asleep in her arms as Courtney tried to muffle the sounds of her crying with her hand.

"Court-" it hits him. Where was he exactly? Why was he there? Why was he-

How is he here,

When he didn't make it that day?