Never Again Chapter 10: Party Courtney, a total drama series fanfic

Party Chapter! Yaaay! I had a feeling some people were looking forward to this so I hope it doesn't disappoint! This was a little long updating, but every time I went to fix it up, my mind would go blank. I'm fairly happy with it. You have no idea how much fun it is to write about Party Courtney.

Oh, and I was supposed to thank Aromalf in the last chapter because one of her reviews gave me the idea that Courtney had problems with people calling her Princess at school. I was being stupid and so I forgot to write that last chapter. So, thanks :)

Songs: (These are, like, my FAVE songs. I'm really into The Veronicas right now. I want the CD.)

4ever- The Veronicas

Paralyzer- Finger Eleven

Thanks for the Memories- Fall Out Boy

Courtney's POV

"Uhh!" I fall on my bed, tugging at my hair. "Why did I even agree to go to this damn party?!"

Amanda sits beside me and strokes my hair sympathetically. "Because you are a stupid, stupid little girl." She smiles.

"Thanks." I groan sarcastically.

"Duncan's going to be here in an hour. You had better get ready for your date!"

I glare. "It's NOT a date. It's Duncan manipulating me to go to a party with him when I was only partially conscious."

"It's not manipulating if you agree to it willingly. And you were fully conscious." Amanda grabs my hands and pulls me up. "Now come on. I'll help you get ready. Might as well make the best of it, right?"

"Okay." I pout. "What should I wear?"

She taps her chin. "Well, you can probably get away with a tank top and jeans, as long as you accessorize well…"

Amanda trots off to her room, and returns with an armload of accessories.

"Okaay…" She dumps the selection of jewelry on my bed and opens my closet doors.

"You don't have any skinny jeans, do you?" Amanda rummages through my clothes, looking for something party-worthy.

"Maybe in the back." I suggest.

Grinning, she pulls out a pair of dark wash jeans and holds them up for me to inspect. I grimace.

"I don't know… I don't think they'll fit. I forgot I even had them." I try to weasel my way out of wearing the tight jeans. My sister isn't giving up, though.

"At least try them on."

Amanda smiles sweetly, and I reluctantly take the jeans out of her hands. I slip them on, surprised on how easily the task is. I zip up the fly and look in my full-length mirror. I sigh. They fit perfectly.

Amanda grins and returns to looking in my closet for a shirt to match.

"This will work." She holds up a tank top. I recognize it as the one I bought for my first date will Josh.

"Sure. There's a sweater that goes with it." I move to show her the cardigan in my closet, but she stops me.

"No. Just the camisole."

I like the camisole, but only when I wear it with the sweater. I eye the spaghetti strap.

"You don't think it's a bit… revealing?"

Amanda rolls her eyes. "I'm trying to come up with the most conservative outfit I can, for your sake. But you cannot get away with a granny sweater at a party! Besides, the top goes so well with the jeans. Try it on."

Once again, I unwillingly take the article of clothing from my sister and try it on. My exposed arms prick with goosebumps.

"Won't I be cold?"

"It's a house party. You'll be fine. Now," she gestures towards the array of glittering accessories lying on my bed. "Let's finish this look, shall we?"

"Damn, I did a good job." Amanda looks me over forty minutes later as I stand in front of my mirror.

My hair has been perfectly styled, my makeup is flawless, and my accessories have been rightly selected and placed. And I have to admit- I do look party-ready.

"Thank you so much." I hug Amanda, who simply half smiles.

"No prob. But one last thing…" She leaves my room, and returns with a purple heart-shaped bottle.

"Perfume?" I ask. Amanda grins and turns the bottle so I can read the label.

Vera Wang's Princess

I wince at the irony.

"I think I'll pass." I check the clock on my night table. "Okay, Duncan's going to be here soon."

"I'm sure he'll love your outfit."

A queasy feeling forms in my stomach. What will he say?

"The shirt isn't too trampy, right?" I look down at my shirt worriedly.

"I shouldn't have said anything." Amanda rolls her eyes. "I take that back. Duncan's going to hate your outfit. He'll think you're so ugly that he won't talk to be seen with you and will never talk to you again. Better?"

I giggle. "Yes. Much."

"I still don't know why you won't go out with him."

I sigh. "I'm not interested in Duncan anymore. Besides, I have Josh."

"Josh is a cutie." She admits.

"Yeah, I know. Did I tell you he goes to Cre-"

Ding-dong

I'm cut off by the sound of the doorbell.

"I guess Duncan's here." I take one last look at myself in the mirror and hop downstairs.

"Have fun!" Amanda calls.

I grab my purse off of the floor and slip on my coat before opening the door.

"Ready to-" Duncan stops mid-sentence and gives me a once over. He grins.

"Not bad, Princess."

"Shut up. Let's go." I lock the door behind me and follow him to his car.

"How far is it?" I ask as we pull out of the neighborhood.

"Not far." Duncan replies. While he's turned the other way, I look him over.

Duncan didn't change out of what he was wearing at school, but I didn't really expect him to. His blue eyes watch the road as we approach a stop sign.

Duncan catches me staring. He offers a smirk. Rolling my eyes, I turn to face the window. I can feel his gaze on me.

I shouldn't have worn the camisole. What was I thinking? Uh, and I shouldn't have let Amanda talk me into wearing the jeans.

Duncan seems to like my outfit…

Unfortunately.

I was thinking it was a good thing.

I seriously doubt that having him stare at everything but my eyes for the whole night is a good thing.

I'm so uptight. At least I'm going to a party. Maybe I'll learn to loosen up.

Hopefully not.

Probably yes.

"We're here." Duncan's voice snaps me out of my trance. Looking out the window, I can see that the street is lined with cars.

"C'mon." Duncan gets out of the car and shuts the door behind him. I follow.

When we get inside, a boy with blonde hair and bright blue eyes greets us. He vaguely reminds me of Geoff.

"Duncan, dude! Awesome!" He grins.

"Hey, Jake."

Jake's gaze falls on me. He raises an eyebrow, still grinning.

"Who's your girl?"

I open my mouth to object, but Duncan cuts in before I can say a word.

"This." He wraps an arm around my waist. "Is Courtney."

I push his arm off and roll me eyes. I turn to Jake and smile. "Hi."

"Sup?" He nods and looks to Duncan. "Beer's in the fridge- help yourselves." With that, he walks off to greet someone else.

"Duncan!" I glare. "I thought you said there wouldn't be any drinking!"

He shrugs. "I thought there wouldn't be. Guess I was wrong."

I scan the crowd. "There aren't any drugs, are there?"

"Uhh…" Duncan runs a hand through his hair. "As long as you don't go out back. Now relax, have a drink, and I'll show you how to really have some fun." He gives me a suggestive smile.

"Whatever." I fume and storm off. I see Duncan following me.

"And that was a no to the 'fun'!" I shout behind me. He stops, and I turn into what I assume to be the living room. It's hard to tell with so many people.

The house is packed. I squeeze through brightly-dressed teens and take a seat on one end of a couch. The blaring music and flashing lights makes my head throb.

I don't see Duncan anywhere, not that I really care. I think it was a mistake coming. I may look the part, but I feel totally out of place. I don't recognize a single person here.

"Hey, hey you!" the girl sitting beside me leans over and shouts in my ear, dark hair spilling over her tanned shoulders.

I glance over. "Yeah?"

She looks at me sympathetically. "Did your boyfriend ditch you?" She asks over the screaming music.

"He's not my boyfriend."

"But he ditched you?"

"No." I groan. "He just dragged me out here. I left him."

"Ah." She nods, and looks at my coat. "You can take off your jacket, you know."

I slip out of my jacket and place it beside me on the couch, covering my purse. Looking over the room full of bare arms, I realize Amanda was right. You really can't go to a party with a sweater on.

"I'm Melissa." The girl tells me, her green eyes lighting up with a smile.

I point to myself. "I'm Courtney."

"This is my boyfriend's party. Did you meet Jake?"

"Yeah. I did."

"How do you know him?"

"My boy-" I cut myself off from saying 'boyfriend'. "My, uh, friend Duncan insisted I come so…"

Melissa's mouth curls in a smile. "Oh, Duncan, yeah. I know him. He just moved here, didn't he?" I nod.

"So," I try to keep the conversation going, for fear that she'd leave me to suffer alone. "Shouldn't your boyfriend be here, then?"

"Probably. But I think he's forgotten about me. That's a boyfriend for you." Melissa laughs. "So, do you have a boyfriend?"

"Sort of." I shrug. "It's kind of confusing."

She nods in understanding. "I hear you. Sometimes I feel like I'm single, too." Melissa stops for a moment.

"Wait…" She holds up a finger and listens. She grins.

"Oh! I love this song! Forever by The Veronicas. Have you heard it?" I shake my head.

Melissa stands up, and motions for me to do the same. "This is such a good song!" She nods her head to the beat. I stand and watch her.

Here we are so what you gonna do?
Do I gotta spell it out for you?
I can see that you got other plans for tonight
But I don't really care

Melissa sings along to the words. I nod my head to the beat.

Size me up you know I beat the best
Tick tock no time to rest
Let them say what they gonna say
Cuz tonight I just don't really care

The song kicks into the chorus. Melissa bounds to the tempo. I can't help but giggle at the way her hair flies around.

Come on baby we ain't gonna live forever
Let me show you all the things that we could do
I know you wanna be together and I wanna spend the night with you
Yeah yeah, with you, yeah yeah
Come with me tonight we can make the night last forever
Oh, oh

Melissa turns to me.

"Dance, Courtney!"

I seen it all I got nothin' to prove
Come on baby just make your move
Follow me, let's leave it all behind tonight like we just don't care

I wince. "I don't know…" I'm afraid of making a fool of myself.

Let me take you on the ride of your life
That's what I said alright
They can say what they wanna say cuz tonight I just don't even care

"Just… let loose!" She thrashes her arms around without a concern. I notice that no one really seems to care. With her words in mind, I join her.

The music overwhelms my senses, and the uneasy feeling washes away. Suddenly, I couldn't care less about how stupid I look.

Seriously, who cares?

Let's pretend your mine
We could just pretend, we could just pretend yeah yeah
You got what I like, you got what I like I got what you like
Oh come on
Just one taste and you want more
So tell me what you're waiting for

I laugh at the lyrics. They remind me of Duncan.

Come on baby we ain't gonna live forever
Let me show you all the things that we could do
I know you wanna be together and I wanna spend the night with you
Yeah yeah, with you, yeah yeah
So come with me tonight we can make the night last forever
Yeah yeah, forever

"Foreveeeeer!" Melissa and I screech in unison.

The song ends, and I'm almost sad. But a new, excited song blasts out to replace it.

And this time, I know the words.

Duncan's POV

Where is she?

It's been an hour. I figured Courtney would just have come back after she stormed off, considering I'm the only person she knows here. But then, I guess the last thing she would want to do is hang on my arm all night.

I walk into the living room, thinking that it would be the first place she would go. Paralyzer blasts from the speakers

Well I'm not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

I make my way through the crowd, until I find her. Her shoulders quake and she's clutching her stomach. Is she crying?

"Princess!" I call, though she can't hear me.

I hold out for one more drink
Before I think
I'm looking too desperately
But so far has not been fun

I finally reach her. I grab her by the shoulders and turn her to face me, only to find her not crying, but laughing.

"What happened to you?" I ask. Courtney tries to answer, but her voice comes out in short breaths.

I hold out for one more drink
Before I think
I'm looking too desperately
But so far has not been fun
I should just stay home
If one thing really means one

Her shoulders tremble with laughter under my hands. She bites her bottom lip to try to stifle the giggles, but her face turns red with the effort.

"Ohmygosh, Duncan!" Courtney squeals, eyes gleaming. "Where were you?!"

"Yeah!" Pipes a girl from behind her, laughing nearly as hard. "We were wondering where you were!"

I recognize her as Jake's girlfriend. I open my mouth to say something, but am cut off by the two girls screaming the chorus.

Well, I'm not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

"Me and Mel were, like, dancing and we bumped into that girl." Courtney points to a girl on the other side of the room. "And she spilt her drink on herself and she was SO pissed off and it was SO funny!"

"Yeah, but she didn't have to yell at us!" Melissa glares at the girl. "Beeeeyotch!"

"I think she heard you!" Courtney cups her hands over her mouth and yells. "It'll dry!"

They giggle and wipe their tearing eyes.

"Okay, okay." Melissa waves her hand. "I have to go."

Courtney pouts. "Whyyy?"

"I have to give Jake shit for totally forgetting about me." They break into another fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"See ya!" Melissa pushes her way through the crowd.

Courtney looks up at me, wide-eyed and grinning. I lean in.

"Did you have something to drink?" I ask.

"No-oo!"

"So you're like this sober?" She nods.

"Possiblyyyy."

"What happened, then?"

"Well… I just… SNAPPED!" Courtney flings her arms behind her- and accidentally hits someone in the head.

"Hey! Watch it!" The girl barks.

"Oops…" Courtney covers her mouth with her hand, as if to look sheepish. "Sorr-yyyy!" She looks back to me.

"Okay, so you want to know what happened?"

"It might clear things up a bit." I shrug. Courtney motions for me to come closer, as if telling a secret.

"I'm an up-tight goody-two-shoe. Twenty. Four. Seven. Do you know how often that is? That's ALL THE TIME! And it sucks. So I have all of this pent-up energy that's dying to get out. And then I was like, the hell with it! I wanna have fun."

I look at her with amusement. "And voila! Party Courtney!" She squeals.

"I knew bringing you here was a good idea."

"And you were right."

She steps closer to me, and wraps her arms around my neck as if slow dancing. She rocks her hips side to side.

"I don't think the music is the right tempo for a slow dance." I remind her.

Courtney looks up at me, a coy smile on her lips. "I want to slow dance."

"Alright, then." I wrap my arms around her waist and follow her lead.

Seizing an opportunity, I lean in and whisper in her ear. "Hey, how about we skip the dancing and have some fun in one of the bedrooms upstairs?"

To my shock, she pulls away with an excited smile. She claps her hands together and jumps up and down. "Yes, yes!"

Wow, I didn't actually expect her to agree.

"Okay, then." I grab her wrist and tug her towards the exit, but she wriggles free.

"Not that, you pig! The song! I LOVE this song!" I listen, trying to catch what song she was getting so worked up over.

I'm gonna make it bend and break
Say your prayers, but let the good times roll
Incase God doesn't show

"Thanks for the Memories?" She nods rapidly.

And I want these words to make things right
But it's the wrongs that make the words come to life
"Who does he think he is?"
If that's the worst you got better put your fingers back to the keys

Watching her bob up and down makes me laugh.

"You know, I would have never taken you for the party-girl type."

One night and one more time
Thanks for the memories
even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you only sweeter

One night, yeah, and one more time
Thanks for the memories
Thanks for the memories
See he tastes like you only sweeter

"Well, now you know!"

I smirk. "I see you took your jacket off."

"Yep!" Courtney strikes a pose. "You like my outfit?"

I eye the small tank top and tight jeans. "Yes… Are you sure there's no way we can have some fun of our own upstairs?"

She looks at me with a devilish smile. "Just because I'm hyper," Courtney traces my bottom lip with her finger softly, her eyes locked onto mine. "Doesn't mean I'm easy."

She whips around and continues to bounce along to the song.

Damn…

I think I'm growing crazier about her with every passing second.

"We have to go."

Courtney turns to me and frowns.

"Do we have to?"

"This coming from the chick who wanted to leave at eleven."

"Uh-uh." Courtney waves her hand. "That was sensible Courtney talking. I can't stand her!"

I smirk. "She isn't too bad once you get to know her. Now come on, Princess."

"Mmm, Princess." Courtney muses. "A name befitting a queen…" She breaks out into giggles.

"Seriously, though. I'd like to get back before the sun rises. Now let's go."

Courtney glares. She walks to the couch behind her and sits down.

Courtney folds her arms. "Make me."

I shrug and grin. "Okay."

I pick her up by the waist and throw her over my shoulder, despite her thrashing around.

"Ahhh! Duncan! Put me DOWN!" She kicks and pounds her fists against my back.

I head for the door.

"Wait! My purse!"

I sigh and walk back to the couch. I grab her purse, hand it to her, and continue walking.

"Wait!" Courtney says "I need my jacket!"

I sigh once again and return to get her jacket. Sure that there's nothing left, I continue out the door.

"Wait!"

"Uh! What now?"

She starts to giggle. "Nothing. I just did that to piss you off!"

I shift her into an uncomfortable position on my shoulder.

"Ow! Ow! Okay, let's go!" Courtney whines.

I chuckle and head out of the living room, stopping by Jake for a moment. He eyes Courtney.

"She wasted?"

"No," I reply "just stubborn."

Courtney raises an arm. "Damn straight!"

She taps my back. "Now: Onwards, my noble steed!" I chuckle and walk out the front door.

After settling into the car and pulling out, Courtney turns to me and smiles.

"That was awesome."

"I told you it'd be fun."

"Mmm." She reclines in her seat and closes her eyes. In minutes, she's asleep.

I drive up to a red light and look over at Courtney. Her tousled light brown hair frames her face perfectly as she rests. Her mouth gaps open slightly. I softly brush a couple of strands behind her ear.

Beep! Beep!

The car behind us honks its horn and I realize it's a green light now. Courtney jolts awake. I straighten in my seat and keep my eyes on the road until we reach her house.

As always, I walk her to her front door.

"Thanks for convincing me to go, Duncan." Courtney smiles. "I thought I was going to have a miserable time, but it was fun."

"Yeah, well." I shrug. "I thought it would be fun to see your party side, so…"

She bites her lip, as if waiting for something.

"So, I'll see you on Monday then, okay?" I nod.

"Goodnight, Princess. We should go out again." I turn to leave, but Courtney's voice stops me.

"This wasn't a date, you know."

"Alright." I walk up to her. "What would you call it, then?"

"I don't know… just… us hanging out?"

"Whatever you say, babe." I smirk.

"It was not a date!" Courtney fumes.

"Whatever you say."

She narrows her eyes and sighs.

"Okay, fine. It was a date. But there won't be any more. Got it?"

I grin triumphantly. "See? It wasn't that hard. Oh, and there will be more."

Courtney glares. "No, because I-"

I cut her off, catching her in a kiss. A warm feeling rises through me as Courtney stands, utterly motionless, lips pressed to mine. Whether it's from shock or just because she doesn't want to, she doesn't attempt to pull away.

After a moment she does break away, totally speechless. It takes her a couple seconds to catch her bearings.

"Duncan! What… what was that for?"

I grin. "Just can't help myself, Princess."

With that, I sprint off to my car, leaving Courtney wordless.

A/N

Me: Look! Extra long chapter! Hoor- hey? Where's Duncan?

C: Uhh…

Me: Not AGAIN! *Walks over to closet*

D: MMMPPHH!

Me: Courtney! What did I say about tying Duncan up and sticking him in the closet??

C: Uhh? I don't remember?

Me: DON'T DO IT! *takes tape off Duncan's mouth*

D: Thank you!

C: He was being a jerk!

D: Yeah, well I'm allowed to be. You can't just go locking me I a closet!

C: Well it's too late, CUZ I ALREADY DID! And the hell I will again!

D: Then there's nothing stopping me from pushing you outside, into the disgusting, dirty muck!

C: Yes there is: your common sense! I swear, if you even-

Me: SHUT UP!

D: …

C: …

Me: I have an announcement to make!!!

D: Okaay…

Me: I *points to self* am going to write a one-shot!!!

D: …

C: That's it?

Me: Well, yeah… You guys are in it…

C: Okay. Uh…

D: Well then…

C: …Like I was saying: If you even THINK about it I swear I'll decapitate you and go bowling with your head!

Me: Eww…

D: Oh, yeah? Just go ahead and try!

C: Maybe I will!

D: Maybe you should!

Me: Uhhhhhhhhhhh! Stupid Author's Note…!