Disclaimer: I do not own Total Drama Action.
Well, I was planning this to be longer, but seeing as there's only one episode left to air and I don't really want it to contradict whatever I might say, this'll probably seem kinda rushed out.
"Hey, viewers out there! You all tuned in last time to watch Duncan and Beth duke it out in the battle for the million buck-a-roos! In the end, though, it was Duncan that prevailed above all. And now, in his honor, we're throwing the biggest, hugest, raddest 'Happy Million Dollars' party a budget of... ten grand... can buy. Yeah. Irony rears its ugly head.
But whatever. Let's tune in now."
Streamers and party lights adorned the room as the ousted contestants showed up in their best formal wear, some borrowed from the wardrobe closet that held costumes from former movie sets.
Everyone sat down in their seats, addressed individually with their names each custom-printed on formal cards on top of their plates.
There was small talk and chatter everywhere, filling the air with festivity before there was a light tinging sound coming from the front of the room.
Everybody turned their heads in the host's direction, seeing Chris in a brand-spanking new tuxedo, Chef standing guard (snazzily dressed as well) next to him.
After making sure he had caught everyone's attention, Chris spoke and gestured to the delinquent victor sitting down on his right.
"I think you all know why you're here tonight."
He raised the glass of champaign that had been resting at the head of his podium.
"To celebrate the victory of this fearless and valiant competitor!"
There was a small round of applause as Duncan looked over the crowd, smirking. That is, until he caught Courtney's eye.
The two looked to another direction immediately, not forgetting their last feud.
"At the end of the night, he shall receive his check for the one million dollars he so rightfully earned and deserves!"
There was a loud, unpinpointable scoff after the last statement.
Chris squinted in annoyance and continued with his speech.
"So, without further ado, let's get this party started!"
Within seconds, KISS' unmistakable 'Rock & Roll All Nite' was blasting out of the speakers situated at the sides of the stage, courtesy of the playlist Duncan had hand-picked out himself for the party.
Soon contestants were roaming around the room dancing, conversing, congratulating Duncan on his win, or just plain hanging around.
Courtney sat at her table twiddling the ribbon that had previously been holding her utensils and napkins together in a neatly wrapped bundle as Harold chatted to DJ to her left. She had curled her hair, picked out her best dress, and risked spraining an ankle on her three-inch heels on the way here from her studio room.
And for what? To be blatantly reminded how she had lost out on one of the biggest opportunities of her life, and to have it thrown back in her face by some dropout that hadn't even wasted half the effort she had put into winning this contest?
She silently cursed herself for not choosing to go home immediately after the season finale like the show had offered the contestants.
Suddenly a large flash of glittery pink appeared in the corner of her eye, smothering Harold in the process.
"Hey, Hanky-poo! Did you miss me?" Beth squealed as she wrapped her arms tightly around her new crush's neck. "'Cause I missed you!"
Harold desperately tried to wriggle out of the girl's grasp, not wanting LeShawna to bear witness to this atrocity taking place.
"Beth, for the last time, I'm not interested!"
Harold broke free of her hold and inhaled deeply.
"Gosh!"
He broke off in a sprint across the room, Beth following in close pursuit.
Courtney smirked at the fact that at least she wasn't the only one miserable at this shindig.
She stayed at her table for a few minutes before a small crowd of four walked in front of her table, catching her attention. She saw Duncan standing in the middle of them, looking smug with Heather's arm hooked in his.
Courtney pursed her lips in withheld fury, waiting for him to make the first move.
"Having fun?" he taunted, obviously poking at her current solitary state.
"Time of my life," she spat back out, putting on her best expression of defiance. She had, after, all, picked it up from him.
He smiled, in a way that read 'I know you're B-Sing, but two can play at that game.'
"Well, the punch is over there, if you need it," he remarked, stabbing a thumb in the direction behind him as he started walking away, possey in tow.
Courtney snorted, rolling her eyes at his purposeful display of snobbery.
Tapping her finger on the tabletop for a minute, she suddenly scooted up out of her chair and headed for the dance floor.
Yeah, this was his party. But no way he was going to hog all the spotlight the entire night. She had fought long and hard, and she was going to have her moment.
She was going to party her brains out and have the best damn night of her life, whether Duncan liked it or not!
A/N: Working on chapter two as we speak.