Disclaimer: I do not own the Total Drama series or anything else copyrighted.

A/N: From this chapter on takes place after TDA. There was no extra episode after the finale to get even more money or whatever. At least, not in this story. Enjoy! And I want to give a special shoutout to the reviewer "CarmillaD". Thank you for taking the time to really review the past chapter and those in "The Fake Engagement"! And thank you for bringing up the past hints from the chapters - believe me, those will be brought up :) And I made a special hint in this chapter just to say they will be brought up, and to look for them soon. And thanks to the other reviews, too! And, if you're reading "The Fake Engagement", remember to review that as well. Thanks!

Duncan stared at the ceiling in his hotel room. It was just a few mere hours after the announcement was made that he won Total Drama Action. He won the million dollars! He was a millionaire!

Except not really.

In the absolute fine print of the contract, it was stated that the winner's money would not be awarded to them until they were eighteen. He was a bit confused, seeing as that technically the legal, adult, age was sixteen, but he wasn't going to try and fight it. True, he was incredibly mad and upset at first, but calmed down soon afterward. He technically didn't need the money immediately, and he didn't mind waiting six months to receive the nice, large check.

Of course, there was Courtney.

He did not expect her to become such a big bitch upon her return. He didn't even expect her to return! He knew nothing about any lawsuit that she had presented to the show. Sure, it was nice to see her return. He loved seeing her feisty, competitive side. For a while, he didn't mind her attitude, either. Of course, when she presented him the 32-page booklet of his problems... Sure, it annoyed him slightly, but he really wanted to stay with her. He wasn't too surprised that she dumped him after voting her off. In all honesty, he probably would've done the same thing if she had voted him off.

He wasn't sure what to think of her after winning the million dollars. "Every King needs a Queen" was what she said to him after he told her he wasn't sure about splitting the money. Sure, he found it a bit strange she wanted to get back with him after winning the money. Was she only using him just to get her half? If he gave it to her, would she just take it and never speak to him again?

He sighed. He hadn't talked to Courtney since Chris and the other producers dragged him away from their makeout session / the victory party. He wasn't sure if he even wanted to talk to her at this point. He turned in his bed and shut his eyes, wanting to go to sleep after this crazy and incredibly eventful day.

The next morning, he woke up due to a phone call saying that he needed to pack up and get ready to go to the airport. He glanced at his clock and saw that it was 9AM. Even though he got more than enough sleep, he felt incredibly tired. He slowly moved around the room, gathering anything he might've thrown around after arriving in there the previous night. As he stepped past the door, he felt something crinkle under him. Confused, he looked down and saw that he had stepped on a letter. He bent down and picked it up. He immediately noticed Courtney's handwriting on it. He opened the envelope and grabbed the letter and began to read it.

Duncan,

I would have tried to talk to you in person, but I had an early flight to catch. There is so much I want, need, to say to you, and I wish we could've had a proper conversation. I would have waited to see you in person later, but I needed to get this out. I'm sure there will be many things in this letter that you will not believe, and who knows if you even want to continue reading this, but, please, just do.

I wasn't surprised to win the case against the show. You and I both know I was unfairly voted out. What I didn't expect was the attitude that came along with winning the case and coming back to the show. I didn't realize how much I changed until I talked to Bridgette last night. She knows firsthand how much fame, winning, etc., can really change a person. As you know, her and Geoff hosted the "Aftermath" shows, so they got to see everything that happened. Bridgette and I had a heart-to-heart last night, and I got to see some clips, mostly of myself and how I acted after joining Total Drama Action.

I don't know why I wrote that 32-page letter to you. When I wrote it, I was thinking about me winning, and how I needed a "perfect" boyfriend. My lawyers and parents had a bit to do with the reasoning of writing the letter, but I still wrote it. I don't know why I ever thought I needed to change you. I'm the one that needs to change.

I'm not sure if you want to talk to me, especially after how I acted yesterday after you won. I completely understand if you still don't want to split the money with me. I acted like a manipulative gold-digger to you, and I know you don't want or need that.

If you ever feel like talking to me again, I'm including my e-mail address and phone number at the bottom of the page.

Courtney

Duncan re-read the letter a few times, letting each work sink in. He couldn't believe she wrote something like that. She never admitted defeat, or that anything was wrong with her. Maybe the heart-to-heart her and Bridgette had really affected her. He grabbed all his belongings and stuffed the letter inside his pocket and headed out the door, wondering what he was going to do once he got home.

---

August 31, 2009 03:27PM
Subject: Date?

Babe,

You know what I just realized? We have been going out for over a year, and I have never taken you out on a date. So what do you say? This Friday around 7PM? I can pick you up and we can go wherever you want. A restaurant, a movie, a park, your house... You pick. My treat.

-Duncan

Duncan glanced over his short message a few times before sending it. He hadn't talked to anyone from Total Drama until this point. He was friends with a few of them on Facebook, but he hadn't done much on there since he got back three weeks ago. He realized he wanted to at least talk to Courtney face-to-face, and was willing to give their relationship one final try.

As he browsed a few websites, he was surprised to get a reply from her within twenty minutes. He anxiously opened the e-mail and began to read it.

August 31, 2009 03:45PM
Subject: Re:Date?

Duncan,

I'm actually busy Friday night. What about Wednesday night? If you're not free then, we can go on a date the following Friday.

Courtney

He smirked as he typed up his reply.

August 31, 2009 03:47PM
Subject: Re:Date?

I would love to go out with you Wednesday night. Give me your address so I know where to pick you up at. Also, tell me where we're going so I know what to wear.

Yet again, her reply was sent quick.

August 31, 2009 04:01PM
Subject: Re:Date?

Duncan,

Dress casually. We're not going anywhere fancy.

Courtney

At the end of the e-mail, she included her address, which Duncan wrote down and placed at on his computer desk. He couldn't help but smile at the fact that him and Courtney were actually going on a date. He was incredibly nervous as well, knowing that, at least in his head, this date could make or break their relationship.

As Wednesday afternoon arrived, his nerves had died down slightly. He had gone onto Mapquest and gotten directions to her place before getting dressed. He wore a pair of regular jeans, a plain black t-shirt, and his red Converses. Unfortunately, before school started, he had to shave his mohawk, so now he had a bit of hair growing off his head.

He grabbed his keys and headed downstairs. "Mom, I'm going out," he said as he popped his head into the kitchen, where his Mom was sitting at the table, going through various papers.

"Where are you headed off to?" she asked, looking up at him.

"I'm going on a date."

"With...?"

"Courtney."

His Mom smiled as she returned looking through the papers. "Have a good time, sweetie. Be back by Midnight, please."

"Will do," he said before walking out of the house. The drive to her house was about 45 minutes away, so he cranked up his music as he drove to Northwestern Toronto. He wasn't too sure what to expect, but he was expecting her house to be more grandiose. It was a two-story house, though you weren't able to tell by looking at the front. It was quaint looking, and it fit in well with the amount of trees that surrounded it. He pulled into the almost empty driveway and parked beside what he assumed was Courtney's car. He got out and walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell.

Within a few seconds, the door opened and revealed Courtney. It may have only been three weeks since they last saw each other, but it felt like even longer than that. Duncan chuckled as he saw what Courtney was wearing, which was basically the same thing he was wearing - a plain black t-shirt, jeans (hers fit more snug than his), and a pair of black Converses. "Become telepathic, Princess?" he joked, smirking.

She sighed, a small smile laying on her lips. "I'll be right back-"

"No! Don't change!" he quickly interjected. "I think it's cute..."

Her smile widened as she continued, "I need to get my purse and keys."

Duncan almost seemed shocked for a second before smiling. "Don't take too long."

She rolled her eyes as she stepped back in. He also took a couple steps into her house, looking around. He assumed he was in her living room, for there were a couple of couches, a coffee table, and a few bookshelves. The walls were a rich, dark golden color.

"Let's go," Courtney said, stepping back into the room.

"Nice house," Duncan said, following her out of the house.

"Thank you..." she murmured, stepping into her car.

Duncan got into the passenger seat and shut the door before asking, "So where are your parents?"

"Dinner party," she said as she started driving off. "Nice car."

He shrugged. "Thanks, but it's alright. I like your car, though."

"Got it for my 16th birthday."

"Aah, same here. I'm assuming yours was new...?" When she nodded, he said, "Thought so. Mine's from 2003."

"That's not bad."

"At least my parents didn't have to pay for it. They just took it before it was bought at one of those police auctions."

Courtney was stumped. "Your parents took the car? As in-"

"Oh, no, not like that." Duncan laughed. "They're police officers. They usually get first pick before the public does."

Courtney nodded. "That's nice."

He nodded, leaning back in his seat. "Thanks for taking up on my offer."

She softly smiled, continuing to stare ahead at the road. "Thanks for asking."

"Figured I needed to see you outside of the show... Oh, my God, are we eating here?!" he asked, his voice suddenly excited.

"Yeah..." Courtney murmured as she parked. "You've been here before?" The restaurant was a tiny Italian restaurant / cafe. Unlike other Italian places, it was quite inexpensive, and the food was incredibly delicious. At least, that's what she heard from her friends.

Duncan chuckled as he got out of the car. "Oh yeah."

Courtney's face suddenly turned perplexed. She certainly didn't expect him to know this place. "Oh, well-"

"No, no, no," he said, walking over to her. He put his hand on the small of her back and pushed her forward slightly. "You cannot back out of this."

"I thought I could chose the place?" she asked, smirking.

"And you chose this place. We're going to eat here, Courtney. Have you ever been here?"

She shook her head. "Nope. I heard it's good, though... oh, why thank you," she said, surprised that he opened the door for her.

"Mmhmm..." he muttered.

As soon as they entered, it seemed like a chorus of people were shouting, "DUNCAN!" Courtney was shocked at the people who were suddenly walking over to them.

"TESORO!" an elderly woman with long, black hair said as she walked over to them.

"Ah, nonna," Duncan said, giving the woman a hug.

"Come stai?" the woman asked.

"Benissimo!" Duncan said, smiling.

The woman laughed. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is Courtney, my girlfriend," Duncan said. He turned to Courtney and said, "Courtney, this is my Grandma. Grandma-"

"Your Nonna!" the elderly woman said, emphasizing the word as she gave him a light smack on the arm.

Duncan chuckled. "Excuse me - Courtney, this is my Nonna. Nonna, Courtney."

"It's nice to meet you," Courtney said, smiling as she extended her hand.

Duncan's Nonna reached forward and gave Courtney a hug, startling Courtney slightly. "And it's nice to meet you, too."

"So, Nonna, got anywhere for us to sit?" Duncan asked, looking around at the packed restaurant.

His Nonna nodded. "There's that booth in the corner back there. Is that alright?" When Duncan and Courtney nodded, she grabbed two menu's and walked them to the table. "What do you two want to drink?"

"Water," Courtney said.

"Same," Duncan said, putting down his menu.

When his Nonna walked away, Courtney looked over at Duncan. "Were you speaking in Italian to her?"

"You are correct."

"I... didn't realize you knew Italian?"

"It's a family thing. Dad's Italian. Moved here with his parents when he was little. They have a house right down the street, over in Little Italy. Anyways... Nonna and Dad insisted my brothers and I learn Italian from a young age, to keep... whatever... going."

"Do you speak to your Father in Italian?"

"Mostly."

His Nonna returned with their drinks. After quickly chatting with them, she took their orders and walked back into the kitchen.

"So," Duncan started. "How's school?"

Courtney shrugged. "Busy. You?"

Duncan also shrugged. "Boring."

Courtney nodded. She let her hands rest in her lap, her fingers fiddling together. "So... Did you read that letter?" she quietly asked, looking over at him wearily.

He nodded, taking a sip of his water. "Right before I left the room... and a bunch of times after that." Both sat there for a few minutes before Duncan continued, "I forgive you, y'know."

She looked over at him, surprised. "Really?"

He shrugged. "Sure, you acted like a total bi-" He caught himself, knowing he couldn't say such things like "bitch" where he was at. "-like a total jerk, and then you wrote that letter..." He leaned forward and quietly said, "But I like your feisty side."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, goodness."

"It's true, Princess!" he said before laughing. "I was a bit mad and confused at first. But..." He shrugged. "I like you, Courtney. And, let's just say if I didn't like you, we wouldn't be here right now."

She nodded. "Well, if it helps, I like you, too. I like you a lot."

"A lot, a lot?"

She rolled her eyes. "A lot, a lot."

"Well, I like you a lot, a lot, and then some."

She giggled. "This isn't a competition!"

He shrugged, smirking. "Sure. So, what part of town do you live in?"

"Sunnyside." Courtney rolled her eyes as Duncan smirked. "Don't even say it."

"Now I know where you get your bright attitude from..."

"Duncan!" she laughed, slightly exasperated.

Suddenly, Duncan's Nonna came over with their food. She placed the two plates in front of the two teens and said, "Buon appetito", before walking around the restaurant to chat with the other customers.

"Buon appetito," Duncan said to Courtney, winking at her.

Courtney softly giggled and blushed slightly. She took a bite of her food, and instantly her eyes widened.

"Good? Bad?" Duncan asked, carefully watching her.

"It's so good!" Courtney said, taking another bite of her food.

Duncan laughed and started to eat his food. He took a few bites before clearing his throat and loudly saying, "NONNA! Il cibo continua a migliorare e meglio!" A cheer was heard from many people, and even some laughter was heard.

"What'd you say?" Courtney asked, an amused smile on her face.

Duncan laughed. "I told her that her food keeps getting better and better."

Courtney also laughed. "And they don't care that you just screamed it?"

Duncan shook his head. "Nope. Believe me, when my whole family comes here and gets together... It's a party."

Courtney giggled, finishing her food. She sighed in content. "That was so good."

"Damn, Princess, you were hungry, weren't you?" Duncan asked, laughing.

"Yes, I was. I haven't eaten that much today."

"You're not fat, babe."

"I didn't say I was starving myself! I was really busy during lunch and only ate a snack after school."

Duncan nodded as his Nonna came back over. "Il tuo cibo buono?" she asked.

He nodded. "Certamente."

His Nonna laughed and turned to Courtney. "Was your food good?" she asked, picking up her plate.

Courtney nodded. "It was very good."

His Nonna smiled and said to Duncan, "Dire ai tuoi genitori ho detto 'ciao'."

"Will do," Duncan said.

His Nonna rolled her eyes as she turned to Courtney. "It was nice meeting you. Please come back anytime."

"Oh, thank you," Courtney said, smiling as she lightly blushed. "It was nice meeting you, too."

"Tell nonno Ho detto ciao!" Duncan said as his Nonna walked off.

"Okay!" his Nonna said.

"You ready?" Duncan asked, standing up.

Courtney looked shocked. "What about the bill?"

"I'm family. You're my date. We eat free."

"Really?" Courtney asked, standing up.

"Ciao!" Duncan said as they left the restaurant. He laughed as she walked back to Courtney's car. "This isn't some fancy chain. It's just a simple little family restaurant."

"Your Grandma seems very nice," Courtney said as they got into her car.

"My Nonna!" Duncan said, imitating his Nonna.

Courtney giggled.

---

"So..."

"So...?" Courtney asked. They were standing in front of her door after getting back from the restaurant.

"This is probably a dumb question, but... You and me...?"

Courtney laughed. "Yes, I'm still your girlfriend."

Duncan grinned. "Good." He then leaned forward and gave Courtney a hug. She returned the hug, resting her head on his shoulder. They stayed in that embrace for a few moments before they pulled apart. "You up for another date?" he asked.

She nodded. "How about next Friday?"

He nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Though, I'll go ahead and tell you that's when all the friends come over. I can kick them out, since my brother's friends can be annoying..."

She shrugged. "I'd love to meet your friends. And your family, too."

He laughed. "Alrighty then."

She smiled. "So... Do I get a goodnight kiss?"

He wickedly grinned. "And to think, I was just about to say something."

Before she could comment, he had leaned down and gave her an incredibly passionate kiss. The kiss felt like it had the passion of a thousand fireworks. Their lips perfectly molded together as they continued to kiss one another. Courtney felt her hand rest against his jaw, and felt one of his hands rest against the middle of her back, and the other against the small of her back. She finally pulled back, though it took her a few seconds to open her eyes and fall back into reality. She looked up at him, and saw the same dazed look she knew she probably had on her face. Almost seductively smiling at him, she opened the door and said, "See you later, Duncan."

With a smile and a still dazed look, he said to her, "Night, babe."