It's been another long while, hasn't it? I just fell out of wanting to write real situation stories for a long time, so this didn't get worked on. I hope to stay with this and upload more frequently now, but college is an unpredictable obstacle. So no promises. I hope you all still read this and will enjoy this update! :)
"Ah!" Courtney sucked in a sharp breath, eyes widening considerably as her mouth fell agape slightly. What? She couldn't believe her ears. Had he seriously just asked her what she thought he did? Was this some kind of sick joke he was playing on her? What was his deal?
Duncan watched her intently, eyes more serious than they usually were as he held his breath in anticipation. Come on…come on. Say yes. She needed to say yes. It didn't matter whether she did so because of the blood rushing to her brain or a moment of weakness. All that mattered was that this single syllable passed her sleek lips.
Courtney struggled to form the right words on her tongue, her voice seemingly leaving her in that moment. But why? She should only act as such when confronted by someone she actually cared for – like Zane. But this wasn't him. It was Duncan, his stupid 'friend'.
Courtney furrowed her brow at this. Was this the key? Was it merely because Duncan was connected to Zane that she found herself frozen, a deep blush finding its way to her cheeks. Yes! It had to be! At least that's what she told herself as she opened and closed her mouth repeatedly around empty words.
Duncan, despite his worry of her answer, was highly amused by her inability to respond immediately. He figured she'd instantly bite his pretty little head off for even suggesting such a ludacris idea. That she hadn't was a miracle in itself.
Only after an extended period of time and a little scuffling in her mind did she snap out of her awful daze, screaming, "Not on your life!"
Duncan flinched slightly at her harshness, otherwise remaining unaffected by her words.
"If you thought there was even the remotest possibility of me saying yes then you are a freaking dumbass! I mean-" she broke off mid-sentence, groaning loudly as ran her fingers through her hair to calm herself. "You're so stupid!" She finished.
Duncan was surprised by how his body betrayed him when he felt a hint of dejectedness tug at the corners of his mouth in the form of a frown and a barely visible bitterness lurk in the depths of his eyes. He was quick to hide it all, composing himself as best he could. "That's not what your face says." He pointed out.
Courtney blushed lightly, quickly moving to hide it by growling angrily at the boy before her. "Shut up! You don't know anything about my thoughts!"
Duncan acted to be sad by this, looking to the side and sighing softly. "Which is too bad really." He muttered, being sure to monitor her reaction. When she continued to eye him suspiciously he chuckled some. "It'd be nice if I could see into that interesting mind of yours."
Courtney shook with fury, hands clenched into fists. "Turn. Around. Now." She hissed, daring him to defy her.
Duncan chuckled lightly at her strong will. Zane had been completely right; she was in no way like the other girls. This girl, Courtney, was something else. And she would be his new hobby, that was a given. He had to remember to thank Zane as well. Eventually. "Alright, darling." He said sweetly, smiling widely.
Courtney half screamed, turning away from him herself so that she didn't have to deal with this. Yet all the while the only thoughts swirling around in her head were those of him, his stupid face, and why he was doing this. She couldn't wrap her mind around the last one. But she would be sure to figure it out. This she swore.
Duncan left her alone for the rest of the period, sneaking peeks at her throughout the time to keep himself content. But mostly he just thought. He thought about how he'd work her tomorrow, how she might react for the better or worse, and most importantly – if Zane would end up ruining things by coming back over to the table. The latter made him growl lightly to himself and hope that, no matter how much he loved Zane, that he might get sick and miss.
Courtney remained on her toes the rest of the time as well, not trusting him to leave her alone even after a large amount of time had passed. She just couldn't believe that the delinquent would do anything that she wished him to in his lifetime.
It surprised her to no end that not only did he leave her be for that period, but also sixth period. She swore he must have gotten sick somehow. Still, she supposed she shouldn't question good fortune and just go with it. Especially since her fortune would no doubt end quickly.
And it did.
By the next day the silence he'd given her was a thing of the past. He was even so eager to see her that he made sure to get to class extra early. This way he would certainly beat her there. Naturally, it worked. And Courtney hated it.
Courtney walked into the class and instantly deflated. Duncan was never here before her. This could not be good. She swallowed hard, setting the darkest of scowls on her face as she walked stiffly back to her spot near him.
Duncan's smirk spread clear across his face as she took her spot next to him. "Sup, Princess." He teased, anticipating a good dose of reprimanding.
Courtney's eyes danced with fire. "I told you!" She seethed. "It's Courtney! Court-ney!" She sighed, glaring heatedly at the wall. It was no good aiming her hate at him, he'd only turn it on her somehow so that it was proof she secretly wanted to go to the dance with him or something.
"Nah." He shook his head. "I like my name better. It suits you." He snickered, voice holding a seductive feel. To add to the sound of his voice he leaned in closer to her.
Courtney could feel his presence much closer than it should have been, but despite this she turned her head around in his direction. As she did so their noses practically touched and she let out a sharp yelp, jumping back and nearly falling out of her seat.
Duncan started ever so slightly, thoughtlessly moving to catch her even though it turned out to be an unnecessary action.
Courtney stared blankly up at him. Even now she could not help but be amazed by his speedy reactions. It was practically inhuman. She quickly moved past this phenomenon and then noticed the presence of his hand on her shoulder.
Duncan, once caught off guard, suddenly got his cocky demeanor back. He smirked in triumph and wiggled his eyebrows as an afterthought.
"Get off!" Courtney tried to pull his hand from around her shoulder, but it was proving difficult. "Duncan!" She half whined. "Stop!"
Duncan chuckled almost sweetly. "As you wish, Princess." He did as she said, adding her favorite name in there for kicks. Since he had broken the nickname rule yesterday, he was going to go all out with using it now.
Courtney fumed, groaning loudly. "You're such a Neanderthal." She growled, turning away from him again. This time she made sure to keep a watchful eye on him so that she didn't turn around right in his face.
"Thanks." He chuckled.
Courtney's teeth gritted hard. "That's not a compliment!" She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms firmly over her chest, still refusing to turn his direction.
They sat in silence for no more than a minute, Duncan trying his best to wait patiently for her to give up on ignoring him. However, he soon saw that she was too stubborn to even think about giving in.
Courtney kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eye for the minute of silence. She wanted to be sure he wasn't going to try something sneaky. Who knew what a punk like he would think of doing to a good girl like her? It rather worried her. Still, she would not budge.
Duncan whined softly. "Aw, come on Princess." He reached out for her upper arm. "Don't be that way. We're just having fun." He insisted, gripping her arm.
Courtney jumped in her skin at the warmness his hand put off even through her shirt. But mostly she was occupied by the fact he was touching her at all. "Fun!" She cried, slinging her arm to remove his hand. "It's not fun when one of us isn't happy!"
Duncan forced himself to keep his sad face visible. Her squawking made it increasingly hard. He just wanted to burst out laughing. "Princess…"
"Stop!" She shrieked, glad no one was here to hear right now. It was too early for anyone to be here but her and, for today, him. "I hate that stupid name!" She stomped her foot, jumping up into a standing position as if she might leave the class.
Duncan started, genuinely surprised. "Princess, what are you doing?" He jumped up, standing taller than her.
"Getting away from you." She hissed, leaning in close to his face. She could even feel his breath. It smelled of mint. Was he chewing gum? She shook the thought away from her and quickly turned on her heel, making her exit look even more real.
Duncan could scarcely believe she was so upset with his excessive use of her pet name that she would leave the class until it started. She couldn't do that. He wouldn't let her! "Courtney!" He said absently, reaching out and latching onto her wrist.
Courtney started as he used her real name. She even turned back in his direction ever so slightly, giving him enough time to bring her completely back.
Duncan pulled her back by her wrist, spinning her around so that she faced him. Not only that, but now they were so close that their bodies were a mere inch from touching. "Don't go." He said in his most seductive tone, staring intently down into her emerald eyes.
Courtney felt the breath sucked from her body, as if he had drained her of the ability to breathe. And yet she did not struggle to sustain her life. Her struggle lied in pulling away from him and escaping his strangely captivating eyes. They were so soft despite their hardness, so caring despite their disregard. They were so perfect…the perfect contradiction.
Duncan smirked confidently, moving an arm around her waist while being sure to keep one on her wrist. She might snap out of her daze at any given moment. "Stay with me." He purred, pulling her so that the little distance between them was closed. "Please."
Courtney opened and closed her mouth, trying to force angry words out of her throat. But the words always died before they passed her lips. All she could do was stare, standing limply in his arms. Since her mind was all that worked, she could do nothing more than wonder. She wondered if this was some kind of spell only punks could cast, or if Duncan himself had some sort of magic within him. They were the only possible explanations. How else could her trap her like this?
Duncan tentatively released her wrist, bringing his now free hand up to her face. He ran his fingers gently over her smooth skin, thinking all the while that she would snap out of it any second. If she was dumb enough to fall for him over a scene like this then she would not be half the fun that he'd previously thought she was.
Courtney shuddered as his warm fingers moved across her skin. She was so much colder than him. It was amazing that men, especially him, managed to remain so warm. More so it was amazing how he managed to be so bold, even when she knew he could not really love her. Seriously! Their bodies were touching! What guy would even think of doing such a thing for whatever convoluted reasons he had?
Duncan snickered under his breath. At this rate she would be his by the end of the week. Or sooner! "So sit with me." His minty breath breathed in her face.
Courtney took in his pleasant scent, figuring it would be one of the last times he would smell so good. As she was about to nod in agreement, she say from the corner of her eye a figure entering the room. Somehow that broke the spell he'd placed on her and she was finally able to react properly.
Duncan saw it in her eyes before she acted and was able to brace himself before she acted.
A fire flared in Courtney's eyes and an anger burned within her. "No!" She jerked her arms up and shoved him with all her might, flipping her hands about as if to shake his putrid touch off of her. "Get off of me! And sit yourself down!" She pointed with ferocity to his seat, daring him to deny her.
Duncan stumbled back despite his preparedness and couldn't help but scowl at her. She sure could be strong when she wanted to be. And it was no surprise that when it came to him her strength was unlocked. "Touch-y." He grumbled, his sly smile coming back to his lips as he seated himself.
Courtney moved her mouth in a mocking manner, no words coming out. She then sat down in her spot as well, new found anger never leaving her. "Just shut up." She hissed, once again refusing to turn to him.
Duncan rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Princess. You know you were about to do what I wanted, maybe even kiss me." He chuckled.
Courtney's eyes shot open and mouth fell agape. "W-What!" She half screamed, a blush rising to the surface of her face. "You're crazy!"
Duncan laughed at her embarrassment. "The only reason you didn't was because someone walked in. Dunno why that mattered, but even your subconscious didn't want it." He pointed out to the person now sitting at the front of the room.
Courtney seethed. "Shut up!" She demanded, slamming a fist down on the table. She instantly regretted it, an aching sensation hitting her after she hit the object harder than she should have.
Duncan was marginally concerned about her mild pain, but he quickly forgot about it. Instead he chose to mock her. "Wow. Smart move there Princess." He grinned wickedly. "But I don't think you are stronger than the table."
Courtney raised her hand as if to strike him, eyes ablaze, only stopping as she remembered the last time she'd hit him. That combined with the day she'd made fun of him for his bruise had her lowering her hand done to her lap and staring almost sadly away from him.
Duncan knew instantly what she was thinking and it made him grimace. He was glad that she at least could control herself, but still…she shouldn't have to worry about such a thing. "So, you doing anything after school?" He tried to change the topic of their minds, figuring teasing her was the best way.
Courtney sighed heavily, smiling despite herself. "Yes." She said without hesitation, foolishly turning to face him. "So no, I won't be going anywhere with you. And even if I was free, I wouldn't even think about it either."
Duncan grinned with immense amusement. "Of course you wouldn't." He laughed. "You're too good for a bad boy like me. Am I right?" He leaned in toward her again, wondering how far he could get without her freaking out again. He really did push things a little too far sometimes.
Courtney swallowed hard, eyeing him suspiciously. "Yeah…" She murmured, scooting her chair back away from him. The last thing she needed was him to get so close to her again. She'd barely been able to break free of his spell then, just image how impossible it would be the second time around.
He suddenly sat back up. "Which is too bad really." He sighed, feigning sadness by looking dejectedly away from her. "It would have been really fun."
Courtney rolled her eyes. "I'm sure." She growled, looking away from him again. He was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. If she even thought of going anywhere with him she was sure that something bad would happen as punishment for such evil thoughts. And worse, if she did go with him, he'd surely do something to her. She shuddered at the thought.
Duncan cocked a brow, staring curiously at her. "You cold?" He questioned with a sincerity uncommon to him.
Courtney was skeptical of his concern, but the way his eyes shined with unusual honesty quickly changed her attitude. "No, not really." She mumbled, averting her eyes. She couldn't tell him the real reason.
Duncan frowned deeply. "You can have my shirt if you wanted." He shrugged, nearly laughing out loud at the notion. It wasn't like they were alone here, and he didn't have anything else to wear. Still, it would certainly be funny. So for added effect he even started to lift it up over his head.
Courtney's mouth went agape and her eyes bulged out of her head. "No!" She cried shrilly, smacking at his hand. "Don't!" Her cheeks burned a bright red. "I'm not cold! Honest! Ju-Just put your shirt back on!" She pushed at his shirt to try and do it herself.
Duncan died laughing, nearly falling out of his seat in his amusement.
Courtney slapped her hands to her face to try and hide their crimson glow. Still, she knew he'd seen, otherwise he wouldn't be laughing half as hard. It didn't help that the instant she'd seen his well-built body she had thought of how perfect it was. What horrid thoughts!
"If you insist." He laughed, calming down enough to put his shirt back down into place. "But know you don't have to hesitate in asking. I'll more than gladly give it to you." He grinned wickedly.
Courtney's blush intensified despite her best efforts. "No!" She squeaked, shaking her head. "No…I don't want it." Her strength came back to her as she spoke her next words, making them quite firm. "Not now, not ever."
Duncan shrugged. "Ok. As you wish, Princess." He chuckled faintly, laughed out for the moment.
Courtney groaned. "Stop it." She turned away from him.
"No can do." He said simply, grin never fading. "If I did that, then what would I do for fun?" He poked her in the shoulder.
Courtney's body shook faintly as she turned on him. "You just wait!" She growled, a smug smirk forming. "When I tell Zane about your pervish behavior, he'll-!"
"Do nothing." Duncan finished for her.
Courtney started. "What?" She half laughed. "Zane may be your friend, but he's not only your friend. He'll stand up for me! If I don't like it, he'll-!"
"Do nothing." Duncan repeated, smirk never fading. He waited a moment to allow her to process this, then continued. "I'm not being any worse than I usually am. And you know it." His eyes narrowed at her, but while they were serious they were not mean. "You just think I am because, one – I left you alone for a class period. And two – you're paranoid that I'm still on about the dance."
"No!" She shook her head fervently. "That's ridiculous! Pure insanity!" Her words said one thing, but her mind screamed another. She knew it was true just as well as he knew it. Although, really, it had nothing to do will the lull and everything to do with the dance. It had shaken her world up so bad. Now everything he did seemed to be to try and bring her over to him, which made it all ten times worse when really it was all the same old same old.
Duncan nodded. "Uh-huh. Sure, you keep telling yourself that." He shrugged. "Maybe if you say it enough it'll become reality." He nearly started laughing at the stupidity of the notion.
Courtney went to bite back, stopping as she realized that he told no lies. Actually, despite her determination, she had eerily been thinking the exact same thing. Saying it wouldn't make it real. It was stupid to think otherwise. So she begrudgingly turned to face the front, hoping he'd leave her alone for at least a little while.
Duncan didn't much want to let her be. What fun was that? But something about her demeanor told him it would be most wise to do just that. So he let her be. Besides, he needed to learn something from the class.
...
He picked at her after that class every chance he got – in the hall, in fourth period and sixth, he even managed to catch her when she went to the library. She never would understand how he managed to do such a thing. It wasn't like he could read her mind or had a camera on her! And he didn't. He just had amazing foresight. But none of those incidents really mattered to her, nor did the ones that followed on the next few days. The next big move he pulled on her was late Friday. It was on their way to math class, and his last effort to impact her for the week.
"Ready to have some more fun in math?" He teased, not meaning the fun of boring math, more so the fun of being tortured by him.
"By fun I assume you mean the agony of your stupid flirting." She stated flatly, eyeing him angrily.
"Naturally." He grinned. "But agony?" His tone raised in pitch with his next words, almost sounding girly. 'Say it isn't so. Are my actions that horrible?" He didn't really care about the answer. The point of this wasn't to make her fall in love with him, it was to blind her enough to make her choose to go to the dance with him. And honestly not even that. He just enjoyed picking at her to no end. Zane's game was great!
Courtney snorted, lifting her head superciliously into the air. It was best if she didn't answer. She had found over the past two days that Duncan sought only to get a reaction from her, and with even the tiniest responses he could create a magnificent flame within her that made her react just as he wished.
Duncan smirked. "Too good to even talk to me anymore, huh?" His eyes hardened and he gave off the feeling of being angry. Really, he was all in good spirits. "Figures."
Courtney tentatively glanced from the corner of her eye at him. He was a class A manipulator, so she knew almost instinctively this was a trap. "Give it up, Duncan. You won't get me to go to that stupid dance with you."
Duncan hopped in her way, appearing to stand taller than usual as he forced himself not to slouch. "Dance?" He feigned innocence. "What dance?"
Courtney jumped backward, nearly running into him he had moved so fast. She quickly tried to move around him, not wanting to be late. When he acted flirty with her in the hall, she almost always ended up late. Not that she'd even put it that way to anyone who asked. They'd take it all the wrong way.
Duncan side stepped with her, smirking in amusement.
"Duncan, move." She tried to get by him again, getting more annoyed by the second.
Duncan placed his hands on her shoulders and forced her backwards and into one of the lockers lining the sides. "No." He shook his head, letting his arms drop down to the locker space by her waist to create a corral to trap her in.
"Duncan!" She stamped a foot. "We're going to be late." She whined, pushing and pulling at one of his arms. "Again!"
Duncan leaned his forehead on the locker above her head so that he could feel her hair tickling parts of his face. "So?" He turned her back around so that she was facing him, eyes dancing with life. "It won't hurt anything." His voice was as smooth as ever.
"But it will!" Courtney insisted, trying to keep her focus. Whenever he pulled a stunt like this she almost always lost her grip on the world. So far he hadn't ever done it when no one was around, so she snapped out of it. But here, once everyone cleared the halls, who knew what she'd do.
He shook his head. "Nah." He breathed, bringing his corral closer around her so that his hands need only curl away from their support to wrap around Courtney. "It's nothing."
Courtney averted her gaze, realizing by now that his eyes were what held his power. As long as she did not stare directly into them, she would be alright. "Let me go." She said with little conviction, losing this battle just like she did every other one.
Duncan let one wall of his corral break in order to wrap it around her tiny waist and pull her closer. As he pulled her he raised his head off the locker, tilting his head down as his only way to see directly into her eyes from their positions. "What if I don't want to?" He questioned in a way that seemed to be lust to Courtney. Really it was just his eagerness of having something more to hold over her head.
Courtney swallowed hard, turning her head all the way to her left. Now he could do nothing. His powers did not work unless looked straight on!
Duncan chuckled faintly at her lame attempts. She had the right idea, he had to admit, but they were executed so poorly. She was trapped. Little could save her here, out in these empty halls. "Are you afraid?" He pressed, moving the other half of his corral up to hold onto her chin and bring her head back to face him.
Courtney was instantly frozen, mesmerized as always. His teal eyes shone with the ever familiar softness. Zane had told her just yesterday that when Duncan looked at her he saw something he'd never seen in his eyes before. It almost made her wonder…was he for real?
Duncan let his hand on her chin fall down to his side. There was no need to hold her now; she was perfectly trapped in him. "Do you want me?" He breathed a forbid phrase – one that held many meanings, most of them dark and sinful.
Courtney started, nearly snapping out of it. But her eyes drew her back in and all she could do was shrink away slightly. Nothing else she thought to do made her body work.
"You fear me." He stated plainly, eyes almost sad.
Courtney was drawn in further as his was transformed in sadness. In this state of captivation, his sadness hurt her more than a knife to her heart. Perhaps it was her heart's desire, one that she managed to hide when in a properly functioning state of mind. But she couldn't be sure. "No…"
"Promise?" He chided.
She nodded ever so slightly, lost for words.
"Then prove it." He dared, gaze intensifying. "Show me you aren't afraid of me." He brought his still hand up to the back of her head and ran his fingers through her silky hair.
"How?" Her brow furrowed in confusion. In her state she didn't know what he could be talking about, but she'd be more than willing to do it.
He could scarcely believe she had just asked him that. Her words were like the opening of a door that had been locked for an eternity. He could say anything, he could tell by the look in her eyes, and she would doubtlessly do it. He almost thought it selfish of him, but he quickly shrugged off such an idea. Instead he focused only on what this meant for him – him and this game. "Kiss me." He smirked.
Courtney started faintly, suddenly indecisive. No…she shouldn't. She could feel the logical part of her screaming to not dare do it. But somehow no matter how loud the screams were she could not listen. She wanted to do it…at least she thought she did. Some part of her must, otherwise she wouldn't find it so hard to listen to logic. Deep within there must be a lustful ache that wanted to kiss him.
"Princess…?" He breathed, raising a questioning brow.
"I…" She still could not act. Kiss or not to kiss…? A thought itched at the back of her brain that told her regret would surely follow if she kissed this boy, and yet… "I don't…" She tried to speak again, failing miserably.
"Kiss me." He repeated, drawing her even closer to his body. This would be amazing. He would have the perfect leverage over her after this and then she would have no choice but to go to the Halloween dance with him. Most importantly – he'd win the game! That's all that really mattered. After all, that's all this was, him and her – a game.
Courtney couldn't bear the clashing in her mind and just wanted it all to end. So with one last reprimanding of her thoughts she lifted herself up on her toes so that she might reach him.
Duncan leaned down an inch or so, not wanting to be the one to initiate it. If he did, his claims would mean nothing. She'd simply say he took advantage of her, and really he was doing that either way.
Courtney hesitated one second more, their lips lingering no more than an inch apart. And it was this split second of hesitation that ultimately saved her.
From seemly nowhere a bewildered cry issued forth. "Courtney?"
Courtney snapped out of her daze in a moment's notice, her cheeks glowing a bright red instantly after. She squealed in a high pitch and jerked backward, breathing elevated.
Zane walked nonchalantly up to them, unable to hide the shock from his face. "What are you two-"
'Nothing!" Courtney interjected, pushing at Duncan to get him good and away from her. Nothing!" She repeated, trying to force the color in her face away. "So don't you dare say otherwise!" She stormed over to him and got in his face. "Got it!"
Zane drew back, knowing better than to mess with an angry girl. This was especially important to conform to since it was Courtney they were talking about. She was a firecracker. "Uh-huh." He nodded slowly, almost afraid to move.
She growled loudly, stomping by him. "I was just going to math!" She yelled back over her shoulder as if the words might stand as an alibi.
Duncan snorted once she'd disappeared around the corner. "You're only five minutes too late for that." He spoke as if she could hear, knowing very well she could not.
Zane stared after her for a minute until silence had sunk in and he finally turned to Duncan. He did not dare break the silence though; he simply crossed his arms over his chest and gave Duncan a questioning look.
Duncan overlooked Zane's expression for a moment, focusing on the direction Courtney had taken. Perhaps he could further her embarrassment by bursting into math class late. As the idea faded and he decided he would bug her as school ended, he finally noticed Zane had not moved. He blinked in confusion at him, smiling falsely. "What?"
Zane snorted, rolling his eyes. "Don't what me." He chortled. "You know exactly what I'm saying here." He did not literally need to speak for Duncan to know, but he knew Duncan would likely comment on his lack of words anyway.
"Saying?" He made a face. "You haven't said anything." He half laughed.
Zane gave him a look that said 'are you stupid?'
"Whatever! I was just doing as you said and playing the game!" He insisted heatedly, glaring at Zane. If he didn't like the way he chose to play, that was his problem.
"I didn't mean you have to corner her in the hall like that." He protested. "You know she hates being late for class! It's practically suicide on you part!"
Duncan grinned wickedly, faint laughter spilling from his lips. "Not the way I was seeing it." He laughed a little louder. "In fact, things were going quite swimmingly." His eyes hardened and he glared at Zane. "Until you showed up."
"What? Me? How is that?" Zane made a face, frowning deeply. "I didn't do anything."
"You talked!" Duncan pointed an accusing finger at him.
"What?" Zane half laughed. "Talked? Are you kidding me? Why in the world does that matter in the grand scheme of things?" He truly didn't understand. "If she was so under your spell, something so insignificant shouldn't make a difference."
Duncan shook his head and did a face palm. "You are so stupid sometimes." He sighed, lifting his head back up to look disapprovingly at his friend. "My 'spell' doesn't hold with her like most girls when she catches sight of someone around other than her and me."
Zane stared at Duncan for a moment as if he didn't believe it and was waiting for a punch line of some sort. When it never came, he finally burst into laughter. "You're serious!" He spit out, nearly falling over in his hysteria. "Oh my God! Wow!"
Duncan shot daggers at Zane, his mouth twitching in anger. "It's not funny." He growled. "It's just the truth."
"I know!" Zane continued laughing. "That's why it's so funny! Man! Courtney…she's great." He slowly started to calm down.
Duncan crossed his arms, tapping his foot and fingers impatiently. There was no use talking when Zane got like this. When he fully calmed down he'd go on.
Zane held his head, laughter finally dying down. "Wow." He shook his head, grinning widely. "But what'd I tell you. She's not like other girls."
Duncan nodded. After a week of going at her, this much he could wholeheartedly agree with. "Yeah. Any other girl in this school would have jumped at the chance to go out with Duncan the bad boy." He grinned despite himself.
Zane snorted. "Courtney is definitely not easily swayed." He figured if he himself got the courage to ask her, she'd say yes though. He had the kind of sweet and innocent personality that she wouldn't mind being with. "Although I must say, I'm surprised any level of your charm works on her. How'd you do it?"
Duncan smirked deviously. "It's all in the eyes." He motioned to his eyes. "All I have to do is get her to look deep in them and she's mine." He snickered. "It's worked twice this week, first Monday and then today."
"Hm…" He tapped his finger thoughtfully on his chin. "Well, I'm pretty impressed. Even though that method is pretty cheesy." He chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up!" Duncan snapped, scowling darkly at Zane. "At least it works!"
"Of course! Of course!" Zane nodded, eyes bright with life as his smile grew by the second.
Besides," He grinned. "Every girl has a weakness."
Zane nodded. It was true. No girl was completely immune to the spell of love boys put off. Courtney was pretty good at resisting, but she had moments of weakness like everyone else. She was especially weak when she felt she hurt you or when she herself was hurt. Zane thought to tell Duncan this now, but he quickly shook the notion off. It would be treachery. Besides…Duncan would surely figure it out on his own. He was too smart not to.
Duncan's eyes caught fire and his mouth turned down into a sharp frown suddenly, his fists clenched tightly. "And I would have had her too! But you had to show up and ruin it!" He almost wanted to take Zane by the shirt and shake him like crazy.
Zane saw Duncan's intent in his eyes and quickly backed up a space. "Hey! Woah! I didn't know." He assured. "Otherwise I would have never said anything. I was just…so surprised."
"Yeah! Well now I'm back to square one with nothing to hold over her head for these next few weeks!" His mouth twitched and eyes narrowed into thin slits. "So! What are you gonna do about it!" He stared Zane down.
Zane swallowed hard. "I don't know." He shrugged, ducking his head. "But I mean…if you could do it once, why not just do it again?" He grinned sheepishly.
Duncan's glare intensified. "Do you know how long it took me to get this moment to happen? All week! That's how long!" He crossed his arms firmly over his chest.
Zane thought hard and fast on what might possibly make up for his misstep. "Look…I'm sorry…" He stumbled along with his words.
Duncan shook his head. "Don't care. I want something to help with her." He smirked. "Now."
Zane looked all around him as if the answer lied within the halls. Then it dawned on him what the perfect repayment would be. It would make Courtney hate him if she ever found out, but it was all he had. "I…I could tell you where she lives." He blurted out, half regretting it.
A light came to Duncan's eyes and all anger was wiped from his face. "Really?" He cried, smile stretching clear across his face. "You'd do that?" He could scarcely believe it.
Zane nodded slowly and carefully. "Yeah…" What was he doing? He had to be insane. It was almost a death wish. But which was worse – death by Courtney, or by Duncan?
"Well, I guess that'll do." He chuckled. "Just write it down for me. And…maybe some details of the house, just in case."
Zane half smiled, digging for a piece of paper in his pockets. He was so going to die. He could feel it in his bones. It was all over for him. Then he thought of something. "But only if you promise not to tell her it was me!"
Duncan frowned deeply, contemplating the idea. He had been hoping that he might be able to rub it in her face that her best friend gave her away to his best friend. It would be a great loss not to be able to make her squirm like he knew it would, and yet…
"Duncan." Zane half whined, his eyes wide and pleading. "Come on, please…?"
Duncan sighed heavily. "Fine, alright." He smirked. "Getting to bug her every day is more than worth it." He chuckled almost darkly.
Zane brightened slightly. "Ok!" He found paper and a pencil and scribbled down the address as well as a short description of the house plus a small bit of directions. Duncan never was good with finding things, especially places he had never been before. Only once he'd been there did it become ingrained in his mind. "Here you go."
Duncan nodded in appreciation, taking the paper gladly. "Thanks, buddy." He held out a hand for a high five.
Zane grimaced faintly before perking back up and returning Duncan's sentiments. "No problem." He smiled with sincerity. Yet despite his true feeling, there was still that nagging in the back of his mind that told him he had done wrong by Courtney. If he wouldn't betray Duncan's secret…then how could he betray Courtney's home which was surely just as important a secret when it came to Duncan finding it?
"I'm gonna go get ready for this now." Duncan smiled darkly, staring intently at the piece of paper with the most vital information on it. He would surely use this to its full potential. Courtney would be so mad. It would be great!
Zane wagged a finger at him. "Just be careful." He warned. "You know she has a short fuse. So if you go invading her space she might just put you in your place and kick your butt." He smirked in amusement at the thought. "And with your rule about hurting women, you'd have to take it."
Duncan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. I could overpower her without hurting her. I'm too strong not to."
Zane shrugged. "Just saying. You better be prepared." He turned around and started walking down the hall. He really needed to get to class. Then he stopped, a shiver running up his spine. "And…watch out for her mom."
Duncan noticed his sudden seriousness and almost became worried. "What do you mean?" He half laughed. "She can't be that bad."
Zane looked over his shoulder, grimacing. "Oh, trust me, she can." He bit his lip. "I've met her. And she is worse than Courtney in her worst moments."
Duncan started slightly. Her mom…worse? How was that possible? He shook his head. "Whatever. It's not like I'm going to go barging into her house. I'll be sneakier than that." He promised, smiling once more.
Zane smiled back. "Alright. Just be careful." He started off again, going around the corner to his last class.
Duncan snorted. Be careful? Yeah, whatever. He'd be fine. No old lady would get the best of him. Besides, his target was only her daughter – Courtney. He was sure he could easily get her attention from outside the house. It was no problem.
He nodded firmly, face set in pleased determination. "Now, time to do this." He knew he'd need to leave now in order to get to her place before too long. So he wouldn't go to math. Courtney wouldn't miss him. And besides, Courtney would get to see him again real soon. So if she did muss him, it would be alright.
So he set off down the hall to the back exit of the school. If he went the front way, someone would surely see him. And he prepared himself for the hours of walking. But the distance didn't bother him. It took hours to walk to the skate park. And this walk would be worth so much more than skating. He just knew it.
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