DISCLAIMER:

Welcome, it's time for Harold's story. When did this story happen? Will it be a story about LeShawna? Find out right now.

Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV and his creators and distributors. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.


Harold's Story

The guests were chuckling or whispering among themselves while Harold stood up in the middle of the group, looking down on Duncan, who was smirking.

"I still consider that this challenge isn't what gentlemen should be doing. But my honor doesn't let me ignore the affronts thrown against me. So I'll take part in this contest just to refute the slanders said against me," said Harold, pointing at the delinquent and then addressing the rest of the guests.

Trent looked at him while taking a glass of moonshine near his mouth. "You don't have to do it if you don't want Harold." Then he faced Ezekiel. "Is this safe to drink?"

"Of course, I have been drinking it all night," said Zeke, winking.

The guitarist shrugged and took a drink. "Uff! It's strong, but you're right. It's good."

Harold cleared his throat. "Ehem! Thanks, Trent, but as I was saying, I want to do this to prove to some people here that I don't need to recur to deception or mislead to avoid this charade. And that I'm as capable as any of you to establish a romantic relationship based on mutual trust and respect-"

"I think we were telling stories about our first time?" said Owen interrupting Harold while scratching his head.

Tyler shrugged, "Yeah, and that the best story would win a dinner paid by the rest. Maybe Harold didn't understand the rules?"

"IDIOTS!" Harold glared at the host and the jock. "This is called a foreword, it's a narrative element to create the mood for the story and presented before the introduction-"

"Harold, focus. Are you telling your story or not? Because I'm bored of hearing you talk a lot without saying anything," said Justin frowning. "and when I get bored, I get wrinkles on my forehead."

"That is exactly why I didn't want to take part in this mockery. But I never go back at my word. So let me start. This story happened during the first Drama Brothers America Tour," said Harold raising a hand and closing his eyes.

"First and last," whispered Trent to Owen.

"Harold, are you talking about the Las Vegas incident? Man, that's a great story," said Cody folding his arms and smiling.

Harold pressed the bridge of his nose, frowning. "Cody, please, I'm trying to recount that story. Can you try to avoid making any more spoilers?"

"Ok, Sorry it was just an innocent remark. You don't have to get angry," said Cody leaning in his chair.


As I have stated already, it was during our American tour, some months before the start of that heinous world tour season. The Drama Brothers were at the peak of our first phase, and our manager decided to make some concerts in the USA. The idea was to go to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. Alas, we only performed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

So when I heard about that plan, I had this awesome thought, inviting my Legoddess to come with us to the tour. It was my golden chance to try to reignite our flame.


Annotation: Noah

"Didn't she break with you after the island season?" asked Noah raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, but my heart always came back to her charming smile. I tried to get over her. I tried Heather, and also Beth flirted with me, but none could quench the flame she ignited that morning in the docks," said Harold putting a hand over his chest and dramatically extending the other.

"You're too drunk amigo," said Alejandro, making a smile full of contempt. "The hell would freeze before Heather would give you the hour of the day. Much less date you."

Harold shook his head, looking at the Spaniard with sadness. "I hate to be the bearer of such unexpected news, but I was about to be romantically involved with Heather. And it didn't come to be because I refused her advances. After all, I was and still am in love with sweet LeShawna."

"Yes, of course. I think Duncan was right, and you like to make stories, but you're a bad comedian," replied Alejandro. He tried to look cool, but the veins in his neck were visible.

Harold stood up and was about to say something else when Trent jumped between them. "Heather doesn't have anything to do with this story, so let's forget about her and let Harold continue, ok?"

Alejandro buffed and turned his face while Harold went back to his seat, took a sip of his screwdriver, and continued with the story


However, as our ancient Chinese friends used to said 'if you want to make Buddha laugh, tell him your plans'[1]." And LeShawna was busy with her career as a Reality TV pro. But Ananke smiled upon me, and she could at least come with us to our first concert in Las Vegas. It would be my only chance to try to go back together.


Annotation: Tyler

"I remember that one. Lesh went to the USA and came back just before we entered the show 'E.R. Emergency or Reward.' We end 4th in that show and earn 10,000 dollars. Not bad for a show where you need to work as a doctor. If I have to leave the sports scene, maybe I should study medicine. That would be AWESOME."


Ehem. As many of you know, my LeGoddess and I fell in love during the island season. It was an awesome and fateful encounter written in the stars, and I got her heart with my pure feelings expressed to her in the form of some haikus. I endured the pain and darkness in my soul without her in playa de losers until she was also eliminated. I was sad because she lost her chance to win the prize, but as Orihime and Hikoboshi, our meeting was awesome, even if it was short.

Those were 12 wonderful days, but after that, the dream came to an end. LeShawna decided that we were going too fast and that we needed to know each other better. So I started from zero, gaining her over again. And this trip was a golden chance to make her know my feelings. After all, we were together on the Action season and knew each other better.

So I made a foolproof plan to get her heart. The first step was to invite her to our date. I decided to do it in the only way artists should do it, during a performance of their skills. So during our great concert at Golden Nugget, as we were ending the song "Coconuts fields forever," I asked her to join me to dine at Caesar Palace.


Annotation: Justin

"Hey, wait a minute. In our Las Vegas trip, Didn't we perform at Grand Hotel MGM?" asked Justin raising an eyebrow.

"I know, but the Golden Nugget had a lot more tradition than the MGM. The nugget is one of the oldest casinos in the city, and its location in the heart of Las Vegas's downtown makes it a better setting for a romantic endeavor," said Harold, closing his eyes and raising a finger.

Justin narrowed his eyes. "And you didn't ask anything to LeShawna during the concert. In fact, you only said that we dedicate the songs to our loved ones and the loved ones of everyone in the crowd. And that was at the beginning."

"Justin's right," added Cody with a thoughtful expression. "In fact, most of the concert was led by Trent."

"This is called artistic license. I'm just embellishing the story to make it more appealing and entertaining for the audience. GOSH! You should learn about the basics of storytelling," said Harold shaking his head and frowning.


As I was saying during our concert at Hotel MGM. After dedicating the concert to LeShawna in a subtle way, I decided to formally invite her for our date. So we met with her and other friends who joined us from Canada for the trip, like Katie, Sadie, Beth, and of course Gwen.

While we were enjoying the after-party, I came close to LeShawna and asked her to join me on a romantic date, including a dinner at Ceaser palace. She accepted gladly.


Annotation: Cody

"Wait, it happened like that?" said Cody before taking a sip of his moonshine.

"Of course it happened like that. I already said it was after the concert, not during the concert," Harold rolled his eyes, annoyed by the interruptions.

Cody put a hand below his chin. "Yes, I know what you're talking about. But I think there was something else."

"It's true! It was about what happened with Beth. Hahaha Man, that was so funny," said Justin laughing.

"Yes, I also remember it happened because of that letter. I was with Gwen, and we thought there was a fight because of all the shouting in the room," said Trent, nodding.

"Gosh! That wasn't important for the story, so I was skipping it," said Harold face slapping.

"But that sounds so awesome! Can't you tell us about it? Please?" Said Owen looking with wide eyes at Harold.

Duncan smirked. "Yes, at least told us some truth in the middle of all your fictional story."

"Idiot," said Harold, glaring at the delinquent. "Ok, let me tell you what happened at the after-party."


As you can infer by our conversation, I didn't actually ask my muse directly. I was only summarizing the events in the after-party to skip straight to the date. But as you're that interested in what happened there, I'll tell you.

I wanted to invite LeShawna to that romantic date, but I was afraid to do so because she had already rejected similar proposals I made to her in the past. And this was my only chance because she would go back to Canada the day after tomorrow.

So as part of my flawless plan, I wrote a poem and then the invitation to the dinner and put it on a white envelope. That way, she could know my feelings without any preconception or prejudice, just reading from an anonymous source. Then after the poem, the invitation would reveal my identity. It was a great plan.

However, like all great plans there is always a factor of uncertainty that can make them fail. And in my case it was delivering the fated envelope. I choose to ask and tip a waiter to give it to the beautiful lady on the other side of the room. But he understood that the beautiful lady was Beth and not my LeGoddess.

So our cute Beth opened the envelope and read the words of my soul, thinking they were for her instead of LeShawna. How could she think I would call her hair beautiful as the purest ebony when she's a brunette? Anyway, I didn't realize that until it was too late, and she jumped over me.

"Oh, Harold, that was beautiful," she said with a big smile on her face. "But I'm not sure. Brady is waiting for me in Calgary."

I use all my strength to push her away in a gently and politely way. "Wait Beth. Please give me a moment because I can't understand what are you trying to tell me."

"Oh, don't be shy. It's about the letter and the poem. It was so sweet. But I have a boyfriend, so I don't know what to do," Beth looked at the ground with her arms behind her.

That's when I realized the mix-up, and worse of all, LeShawna was looking at us, narrowing her eyes. All my hard work was about to be ruined because I chose the wrong cupid to deliver my feelings.

But Harold Norbert Cheever Doris McGrady V isn't the type of man that gives up for something like that! So I took Beth by the shoulder and told her. "Sorry dear Beth, there is a misunderstanding. Please give me the envelope."

She hesitated a moment but gave me the envelope, and then I committed a mistake provoked by the anxiety and despair of the whole situation. I ran toward LeShawna and gave her the envelope.

"This is for you LeShawna, I hope you can accept it," I said, kneeling in one leg and offering the letter with my feelings.

The shock didn't let me think clearly, and I didn't realize the fault in my actions. LeShawna predictable looked less than pleased by this. "Wait a moment, honeypie. Isn't that the envelope you just gave to Beth? Because I'm not the second fiddle of anyone."

"No, LeShawna, wait. There is a logical explanation behind all this affair," I told her in a casual but polite tone.

"Really? Cuz, as I see it, you're just trying to find a new date after Beth rejected you," said LeShawna putting a hand on her hip.

"Well technically I didn't reject him. I was still thinking about it when he decided to ask you out," said Beth, I just thought how my luck was over, but at least Beth tried to help. "Which means that you aren't second fiddle. Because he's asking you before hearing my answer."

But one of LeShawna's charms is how she's so headstrong. "Girl, don't try to help him. It's obvious he thought you were saying no."

Then I did the only thing a gentleman could do in these circumstances, I got on my knees and begged. "Please, LeShawna. At least read what I write for you, and make your mind about if it was for Beth or for you." Yes, I said it in a louder tone than I needed it. But there are moments in a man's life when you can't get worried by such trivial things, especially when the love of your life is on the line.

LeShawna raised an eyebrow, but our souls connected, and she decided to read the letter. I stood there confident in my poem, but in my mind, I knew there was still a chance she, even with all that evidence, decided that it wasn't written for her. But if that happened, it was fate.

Luckily, Yue Lao inspired my words, and after reading the poem, she just made a small smile and looked at me. "Ok, Sugar baby, I believe you. And I agree to dine with you tomorrow."

After hearing those words, I couldn't contain the level of excitement that the rush of endorphins from my brain provoked in my body, and I began with the primal impulse of shouting and jumping of joy in a less than decorous matter. But even for a man of honor, such displays are allowed on occasions as happy as this one.

Though I forgot there was still a loose end in this situation. "Then I can't go with you anymore," asked Beth. The poor girl was an innocent victim of the waiter's error. There was no way she could come with us. But as a gentleman, it was my responsibility to help her in this situation.

However, before I could talk to her, one of my friends got my back and helped me with this dilemma.

"Hey, Beth! If you want, you can come with us," said Justin, making a wonderful smile. He was talking with Sadie and Katie about tomorrow's plans, and just like that he saved me. I still can't thank him enough for what he did that day.


Annotation: Justin

"What can I say. I don't like soap operas that much. And after all that shouting, I think everyone in the room knew what was happening," said Justin, winking. "and also dividing the bill between 3 is always cheaper than dividing it between 2."


Once that ordeal was finished the after-party went smoothly. We ended the party near 1:00 am, and the limousine took us to our hotel where I could start preparing the next steps of my flawless plan.

As part of our tour, we decided to reserve 1 day to rest and enjoy the city before traveling to the next location. That didn't really matter because it was LeShawna's last day in the States.

All was going better than I had planned. Justin would be with Katie, Sadie, and Beth. Trent was with Gwen, and Cody was with a stewardess he helped in the airport. So there won't be any third wheel on our date.

First we would attend a magic show and then dinner at Caesar Palace. I would use Las Vegas's charm to reignite our passion. It was my only chance, and I had to succeed, so I made 12 simulations and prepared for almost any eventuality we could found including a robbery at the restaurant or a flood.


Annotation: Noah

"Does Las Vegas can really flood?" asked Noah raising an eyebrow.

"As the city is built over a basin, there is a high possibility of floods. In 1999 there was a dangerous flash flood after only 12 hours of rain. And as a muskrat boy, I learned that better be safe than sorry," said Harold folding his arms and nodding.

"I wonder if my farm is built over a basin, eh? Because then I need to buy some inflatable boats for the rabbits," said Zeke, who was the only one not laughing at his joke.


Anyway, I chose the best clothes to pick her up. Dressing like H-bomb the star, with my toque, my purple outfit, and gold chains. I really wanted to impress LeShawna and show how much I had grown in these months.


Annotation: Trent

"Wait a moment, that isn't true. Gwen and I saw you and LeShawna at the magic show, and you were wearing a blue suit with a red bow tie. I remember because LeShawna was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, so you contrasted a lot," said Trent making a playful smile.

Harold shook his head, frowning."GOSH! Ok, that's true, I was only-"

"Taking an artistic license?" said Cody making finger guns at the guy with glasses.

"Correct, it was just an artistic license. Now can you please let me end my story?" said Harold, lowering his eyebrow while gazing at his former bandmates.

"Ok, we'll try to not interrupt anymore," said Cody. He, Trent, and Justin nodding at his friend.


After what I hope was the last interruption, let's continue. I put on my blue suit, a red bow tie, some Fahrenheit cologne, and groomed my hair. Once I looked my best, I went to take LeShawna from her hotel room for our rendez-vous romantique[2].

I arrived in her room with a box of chocolates. When she opened the door, LeShawna looked at me with wide eyes. She wasn't expecting me to be so formal. She was wearing jeans, a red t-shirt decorated with a cat sitting over a piano, and her hair in her classic ponytail.

My muse took the chocolates and was about to change her attire for something more formal, but we didn't have time to wait for her to get changed, so we went to the show dressed as we were. Darn it, I forget to agree with her about our outfits beforehand. But can you blame me? It was my chance to rekindle with the love of my life, I was too nervous, which affected how my brain's right hemisphere worked.

We went first to the magician show, and sorry to tell you this, Cody, but it was one of the worst ideas ever. The performer wasn't bad, but his tricks were nothing awesome. Too many lights and girls in scanty clothes than real skills. And the tiger seemed as tired of the show as me.

I learned to do better tricks in Magic Steve's Magic Camp, and my LeGoddess didn't enjoy it either. She's an action girl, and these kinds of tricks, even if entertaining, weren't stimulating for either of us.

After we left the theater, we went to the Italian restaurant where I made the reservation. I have to do something to lighten the mood after the magic show.

We sat at the table, and I took the napkin in front of me. And then show it the front and back to LeShawna.

She looked at me, raising an eyebrow, and said, "Harold, what are you doing?"

"As the magic show wasn't that good, I thought you would like to see a little of real magic," I replied, then I put the napkin inside of my fist and opened it to show it had disappeared.

"Harold, we're in the middle of the restaurant, maybe you should wait for later," LeShawna told me. Maybe she was nervous that the other guests would be too impressed by my skills, which would ruin our date, but I had all under control.

I took a spoon and hit the empty plate, looking at her eyes, "don't worry, it's only a small trick I really want to show you," the waiters looked at me after I hit the plate, but I just signaled them to ignore us.

Then I took out the napkin from the plate and showed a small black box inside it.

"Taa-daa, look what appeared. I think it's for you," I smiled as I gave her the box.

LeShawna looked at me with a serious expression, but her eyes went wide as she opened the box. "Wow! Sugar babe, what a beautiful charm," she said while looking at the platinum charm I gifted her, that had the form of a musical note, the eight note, to be exact. "But I can't accept it."

"It's a sign of my gratitude for coming with us on this tour, even if it's only the first concert," I answered, smiling.

She took the locket and put it in her bracelet, smiling at it. "Thanks, it was so sweet of you." That way, I put the date in tracks again after the blunder of the magic show. But unknown to me, that wasn't the greatest challenge I'll face on my great night.

They brought the dinner to the table, and the appetizer was glazed kielbasa bites, you know, those expensive sausages made in Poland and glazed with teriyaki sauce, honey, and sweet chili sauce. The problem is that they also had pineapple.


Annotation: Owen

"Wait a moment, wasn't LeShawna allergic to pineapple?" asked Owen, putting a hand below his chin.

"Yes, Owen, you remember correctly. My LeGoddes is allergic to pineapples," replied Harold looking distressed a the floor.

Duncan chuckled, "wait a moment, you forgot that she was allergic to pineapples? Way to go, Dorkahontas."

"GOSH! Of course I didn't forget about it, Idiot!" said Harold taking a sip of his screwdriver. "It was that I asked for the best and most expensive course in the restaurant, and I didn't know it included pineapple."

Trent tilted his head, looking at Harold with wide eyes. "You paid for the full course meal without asking what was included in it? It's the first time I heard about this."

"Hey! We arrived at the city the day before, and LeShawna was going back to Canada the day after. I didn't have any time to spare, and I assume the best full course meal would be the BEST. There was no way I could imagine that those idiots would include pineapple," said Harold folding his arms.

"Man, didn't you say you prepare at least 12 contingency plans for the day. Including a flood?" asked Noah, raising an eyebrow.

Harold took off his glasses and cleaned them. "You know the saying, 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go astray.' Now, as I was saying."


The rest of the dinner was great. They serve us the best melanzane alla parmigiana[3] I have tasted in my life. But the atmosphere was ruined, even then we still had a great conversation about our plans.

LeShawna wanted to succeed as a TV reality professional with Tyler, winning enough to open her own business and helping in shelters, and volunteering across her community. That is one of the things I love about her. She's always thinking about helping those in need.

At that moment, I was only thinking about my music career, so I didn't dare to tell her my plans because succeeding as a music star sounded selfish compared to her. In the end, it was a bittersweet conversation, I paid for then dinner, and we went to the Skylounge. The last stop in my not-so-flawless plan.

We sat there 1149 feet above the city. I not only took her there. I also reserved a room at the STRAT Hotel, so we didn't need to take a taxi to our old hotel after midnight. We were drinking and talking while I looked at the night sky.

But I underestimated LeShawna's perception and sixth sense. She could see I was worried easily.

"Hey, Honeypie, what's up? We're here with the best sight, and you look like a kid that broke his new toy," she said, looking at me, lowering her sexy eyebrows.

"LeShawna, I can't hide anything from you. As always you can read me like an open book," I said with a fist over my heart, "I planned this date to be perfect, and somehow everything went wrong from the start to the end. This was supposed to be the best date ever."

"What are you saying? It was a wonderful date! I mean except the pineapple as the appetizer," said LeShawna rolling her eyes and then holding my hands. "But it was a wonderful night, and I wouldn't change it for anything."

Her words brightened my soul. "Really? do you really mean it?"

"Of course. I wouldn't lie about something so important to you," she replied, smiling.

"I'm so happy right now, LeShawna," I said, filled with confidence, so I asked her. "LeShawna, there is something that had been tormenting me since our time in the aftermath show. And I think now is the moment to ask you. Since meeting you, I have never stopped to be in love with you. Is there a chance for us to go back together?"

She looked at me, frowning sadly, "Harold, I already told you, you're a very special person to me. But it's too soon to think about a relationship."

I felt how my heart sunk. "Oh? Of course, sorry, I didn't want to bother you."

"But give us some time, let us know each other better and who knows, maybe in the future. Don't think of it as a no, more like a not right now," she said, winking.

Her words gave me new hopes and revived my heart. I just smiled at her, "as you wish, I'll wait as long as you need."

Harold's story end


"And like this, we stood in the hotel. That was how I ended my first date with LeShawna," said Harold smiling proudly.

"AND? What happened in the hotel room?" asked Owen, his eyes sparkling.

Harold glared at him. "Nothing. And even if something happened, a gentleman has no memory. GOSH!"

"It was a nice story," said Cody smiling, "and are you dating now?"

"I can say proudly that we have been dating for 5 months and 6 days," said Harold putting out his chest.

"That was an awesome story," said Tyler, cracking his knuckles, "But it was a little similar to Geoff's story, wasn't it?"

"What? NO? Of course not. What kind of insidious perjury is that," said Harold, with a hurt expression.

DJ put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't get angry man, both made wonderful plans that end in failure, took her to a high building to close the date, and both were comforted when you thought the date wasn't that good."

"But my date was quite good. I didn't commit any felony as part of my date, and we didn't end together. There are similitudes but they're only coincidences," Harold folded his arms, sighing.

"I agree, And it was a wicked story so who cares if they're similar," said Geoff, raising his glass and winking.

"Now that we resolved this issue, it's time for an X-treme story" Tyler smiled and hit his hand with his fits, wincing from the pain after a moment.

But Harold put a hand in front of him. "Sorry, my friend, before you tell us your story, I think Duncan has to tell us his."

"Really? Why should I?" asked Duncan, glaring at Harold.

"Because you have been mocking and pranking others into telling their stories," replied Trent pointing at him. "It's only fair that you also tell yours before the night ends. If you have a REAL story and not a fake one."

The guests chuckled. Duncan ended his beer and cleaned his mouth with his arm. "Ok, if you insist, I'll tell you my story. But be ready to lose."


Author Notes:

[1] Here, our good friend Harold is wrong. The quote is not from ancient china, is from Woody Alen. But none of the presents knew anyway.

[2] rendez-vous romantique = romantic date.

[3] A dish similar to Lasagna but made with Eggplant


Harold's story was a challenge because it used a lot the unreliable narrator. The idea is to play with you, the reader, so your idea of what is happening changes as the guests add new facts. Also the language and style of Harold are intentionally more elaborate than for example Owen.

And there are some elements similar to Geoff's story (the plan gone wrong,) and even if I felt like changing it, the resolution was different. That's why I felt it was better to just joke about it. Also I didn't quote all of Harold's references, only some of them. He mentions for example some goddesses of luck around the world.

Now answering the reviews.

amit. avrashmi: Yes, to be honest it was Anne Maria because she fit with the theme, but any of them would work out. And yes his million-dollar prize was originally revealed in Tyranny of the Masses. Finally, you were right, it was LeShawna. I personally enjoy this ship, they are cute together.

Fernanda15fa: I tried to make the first part of the story sad, but I think I have more talent for comedy than drama. Anyway I'm happy you enjoyed it, even if Zeke was greed and a little sexist in the past.

And about Duncan, it seems like an interesting secret. I wonder if he'll talk about that?

Total Simaniac: Yes, I tried with Zeke a story that was something more familiar, to not steal Cody's thunder. Also, I wanted to make it dramatic but not cringy and with some hope for the future.

And yes about Anne Maria I hope even if it was a surprise you enjoyed her.

As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you like it, no forget to review.