DUNCNEY WEEK 2023: DAY 2


(9.11) Day 2: Behind the Scenes

The cameras never quite captured just what went down before Duncan and Courtney raided Chef's fridge.


Courtney hesitated for a moment. She weighed the pros and cons of the insane suggestion Duncan had just put on the table.

Pro, she could prove she wasn't so uptight all the time.

Con, she was sure this would count as immediate disqualification or, worse, a one-way ticket home.

Pro, she could always blame Duncan. Nobody would bat an eye at her.

Con, that was also wrong to do.

Pro, she'd be spending time with Duncan.

Con, she'd be spending time with Duncan.

Her eyes found him, and everything she was contemplating became a blur. Courtney smiled as she high-fived him, "Let's do it!"

"Well, alright then."


It took them ten minutes to get their plan in motion. Every step outside the fish cabin was calculated, something Duncan knew to bring up next time they were alone. It wasn't every day that little miss CIT decided to use her skills in his favor. Thanks to Duncan, they easily avoided hidden cameras along the trail to the staff's tent. And the two would dart behind a thick tree when a branch snapped, or voice came too close.

On the third sudden hide, Duncan extended his arm on the tree, and Courtney's back pressed against the trunk. Footsteps became heavier, and two voices grew louder. Courtney swallowed and hoped the two were concealed enough. Duncan held his finger to his lips, signaling her to stay as quiet as possible.

This was the first time the two had willingly accepted such close proximity.

Courtney watched as Duncan's stern facial expression softened. The two stood in complete silence, but words seemed to be exchanged between them. The voices passed them, but Duncan and Courtney remained in their positions. Their heartbeats thumped in unison as Duncan quickly looked down at Courtney's lips, then back up.

Time froze as the green-haired teen inched closer to the brunette. She didn't move. Not even a remark came out of her smart-ass mouth. Courtney's eyelids fluttered shut, and just as she puckered her lips to meet his, Duncan's whispered voice broke the silence.

"We should keep moving, Princess."

Her eyes shot open to see him inch his face back from her ear. Courtney thanked God the night sky hid her burning face. She still had not acknowledged Duncan's words when his signature smirk covered his face. As Courtney opened her mouth, Duncan tugged her elbow to keep them moving towards their destination. His hand slid down the rest of her arm until he could intertwine their fingers. Duncan squeezed her hand as she followed alongside him.

"Let's snag some desserts before getting ahead of ourselves."

Courtney rolled her eyes as Duncan laughed over his shoulder. A smile crept up on her as she silently agreed. They were on a mission, after all. The fun could wait.