A short little thing I did for dxg. Love them. But if you dxc fans really don't want to think of it as dxg being more then friends then it's entirely possible. It's not an extreme dxg one-shot.

Gwen's pov

It was nearing the end of total drama action and I was feeling more and more hopeless every day. Ever since I got back together with Trent he has been acting more and more obsessive by the day. He even went as far as to say that because I hang around Duncan so much I no longer love him. Sometimes I wonder why I ever fell in love with him. I suppose it was because he was a completely different person back then. He was kind, considerate, and let me do as I pleased without the slightest objection. Now I have to lie and sneak around just to get a moment alone or with other people. I was under so much stress it wasn't even funny. I felt as if I was no longer in control of my life. And that isn't even the worst part. Lately the way Trent handles my 'misbehavior' has escalated from strictly verbal to physical. Grated, at the moment the abuse was minimal but it would only get worse if, in Trent's words, I didn't 'shape up'.

This is where my story really starts. It was just moments after he had pulled me aside and yelled at me like he always did, only this time I snapped back, and he hit me. I just stood there a moment, to shocked to speak or even move. He glared at me with no pity, something new to me as well. He usually felt horrible about the things he said to me. This fact alone was enough to bring tears to my eyes. The instant I felt the tears forcing their way out I bolted past him. Although the Trent I knew wouldn't put me down for crying I didn't want to chance it. He was no longer the same and could easily be set off by something as trivial as tears.

As I continued running, memories of when things had been so perfect flooded my mind, making my heart hurt even more and the tears fall faster. All I wanted was to escape this reality and have things like they used to be. I wanted the old Trent back. Only that was impossible, it was just to late to change what he had become. I raised my head to the sky and let out a scream that pierced the silence like a knife would skin. The release helped, but I still felt a horrible emptiness deep within. I whined to myself, wiping the tears from my eyes. I didn't want to risk showing weakness to some passerby that also had no place at the party. "…why…" I breathed to myself, sniffling lightly. "Why me…?" I still felt miserable, but my mind was starting to accept the fact that this was how it would be from now on and I was beginning to calm down.

I sighed, gazing up at the starry sky with wonder. If I could be anywhere in the world right now I'd be home with people who I knew loved me and treated me right. "What are you doing?" a voice floated toward me. I immediately froze, his voice not quite registering in my mind due to the fear that possessed me. It was this fear of it being Trent that made me unable to find the words to answer. Fortunately he didn't seem to care that I was silent, just nonchalantly walked up beside me.

I tried to ignore him but couldn't help but be curious. I glanced out of the corner of my eye to see that it was Duncan. I breathed a sigh of relief at such a revelation, but was also a bit uncomfortable with the fact. He was the only one that knew about the way Trent treated me when no one else could hear or see and I knew he would want to know what had happened that was so bad that I felt the need to flee the party. "…what do you mean…?" I muttered lamely, tugging at my dress sleeves nervously.

He chuckled lightly, turning his head so that he could easily see my tear stained face. "Come on, Gwen. I'm your best friend and know better then that." all the while his tone never grew any louder nor did it hold an edge like it did most the time. It was as if he was being careful because he knew that even the slightest change in tone would hurt me. And that was the last thing he wanted.

I shook my head in the negative just enough to be noticed. "No… there's nothing wrong." I insisted, refusing to look him in the eye.

"Baby…you can trust me." he cooed, using one of his favorite nicknames on me. He was playing the role of big brother again. I knew this not just because of the circumstances but because he only called me that when trying to calm me down or ease the truth out of me for my own protection, just like a brother would.

I dared to glance over at him, searching for any sign of irritation. There was none. That being the case I thought it best I put on a halfway decent act. I forced myself to smile falsely as well as willed myself to hide the distress.

He caught my eye and smiled softly back. Choosing to not push me to say anything this time. I knew this was his way of getting me to tell him what he wanted to know without him having to do much of anything. "Some party, huh?" he muttered cheerfully, smile widening.

I snorted lightly at the thought. Yeah, right. He knew this party was a disaster in my eyes. He was only pretending so I would feel more secure. "Sure." I muttered, not bothering to sound happy when he already knew my true feelings.

He looked my way once more. "What's your favorite part?" he was such a good actor. I swear if he wasn't such a bad boy he'd be one hell of a cop.

"Being here with you." I muttered without thinking it through, eyes widening an instant after.

Duncan's reaction was much like mine as he stared at me in disbelief.

I knew he didn't mean to but he was working me up again. I jerked my head in the opposite direction, swallowing hard. "I…didn't mean it." I lied, clenching my fists in frustration.

His shock faded away as he more then likely realized his reaction had caused me undue unease. I even noticed him smile softly at me. "Of coarse not. Just a slip of the tongue." he agreed, chuckling lightly.

I shut my eyes tight and stuck my nose in the air. I didn't want to see his happy face when I was dying so much on the inside. The situation reminded me of an old song I used to like, 'Cry'. It was about someone hurting over something and only wanting her friend to hurt a fraction as much as she did. Then she would be happy. "Humph…"

"Gwen…can I ask you something?" he said a bit tentatively.

I brought my gaze back to him, opening my eyes. "Sure." I sighed, forcing a smile of the sorts as I shrugged falsely.

There was a brief silence as he mulled something over within himself. "Do you really love Trent…?" he asked with a hint of regret, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

The question caught me off guard and I sucked in a sharp breath, gritting my teeth in order to bite my tongue. How could he ask me that? He knew how things were going with us right now! He didn't need to ask! The answer was as plain as day to him. Could it be that he secretly liked torturing me too? God…everyone hates me. I felt tears fighting to surface as they had before Duncan showed up. "W…What are you talking about? Of coarse I love him!" I snapped automatically, like I would have if it had been someone like Bridgette. But…it wasn't. He already knew the things that went on, there was no fooling him. And me acting harshly would only further prove this fact.

"I-I'm sorry Gwen…I shouldn't have-" he stopped short, looking away from me.

"No…don't worry about it. I'm just…a little on edge. That's all..." I admitted, only half lying.

I noticed his fists clench at my words and his soft eyes grow hard. In a way this scared me and I inched away from him some regardless of the fact I knew his anger was not toward me. He'd never hurt me. "Why? What did he do to you this time?" his tone was sharp, furthering my discomfort.

I swallowed hard. What was I to say now? I couldn't lie like I'd been anymore, it'd be obvious I was doing so. But…I couldn't tell him either. He'd be so mad. I didn't want to drag his happiness down with me. What the hell should I do…? "Trent didn't do anything to me!" I bellowed, pulling further from him, deep scowl finding its way onto my face. With that the tears finally broke free and found their way down my face. I had no choice but to look away from him. I couldn't bear the weakness. But…I couldn't say anything to defend myself either.

"Gwen, please don't cry. Just tell me what's wrong. I promise I won't be mad." he cooed, placing his hand upon my shoulder gently. Ah…his touch. This was something he only offered once it was plain that nothing else he could do would get me to open up to him. "I just want to help." he added.

I looked up into his eyes, face stained with tears. His expression showed how miserable this was making him. Not even he could remain jovial in my presence. It hurt. I was hurting him. I sniffled, sobs shaking my body slightly. "No…No!" I burst out, drawing a foot away, scowl darkening. "Don't touch me! I don't need your help! Just leave me alone! The only person I need is Trent! Besides, it's not like you're any better with relationships! Courtney can barely stand you anymore! And if that's not enough you're so blind that you don't even realize she's using you!" Shit. The moment the string of words had left my mouth I regretted it. I was wrong. And this, I knew, would be the last straw for him.

"What!" He screeched, fists quaking now because of me.

I cowered. "Oops…" I said to myself, clamping my hands over my mouth like it would somehow retract what had been said. "N-No…I didn't mean to-" he cut me off.

"No! Oh no you did not!" he was pissed, mellow gone like my sanity. "I can take most things but when you accuse my girlfriend of being a liar!" he paused, drawing in a deep breath. "Ooh…no. That, my friend, is to far!"

"D-Duncan…please…" I begged, clasping my hands together, eyes full of nothing but unbound sorrow and tears.

"Don't!" he snapped harshly. "Just…don't." he ran his fingers through his hair, sighing irritably, trying his best to be calm with me. He was mad, sure, but he was a better person then most in the fact that no matter how he felt he still cared enough about my extremely delicate feelings so that he would not break.

No…no. It's happening again. No matter how hard I try I always end up chasing the ones I care about away. First Trent, now Duncan. I don't have anyone anymore…they all hate me. And what's worse…without Duncan there's no one to help me. What is wrong with me! "D-Duncan…!" I reached out for his wrist, latching on like it was my last hope. Which, it kinda was.

He glanced back at me, pausing for a moment. "I'll see you later." he sighed, easily pulling out of my hold. I was to weak.

With my last lifeline used up I could no longer manage to stand strong on my feet. I sank to the ground, crumpling in on myself. My whole body shook horribly. I was doomed now. I would be stuck here for god knows how long before I could get my emotions under control and I was sure that sometime before then Trent would wander over here and find me.

Gwen! Gwen! GWEN!" Speak of the devil. Damn it Duncan! Why did you have to leave me like this now. Why not just kill me. At least then I wouldn't have to deal with this shit any longer. "What happened?" he prodded rudely. So different from how Duncan did. "Why were you talking to Duncan! Did he hurt you! I swear to god if he touched you-"

"No!" I interjected. "N-Nothing, he was just-just…" I couldn't finish me sentence without being pushed further into bitter sadness, tears spilling down my face faster and sobs coming more frequently.

"Just what? Huh!" he urged, taking hold of my arms and pulled me up onto my feet in a way that under different circumstances I could have seen as being sweet. Now it was nothing more then a false way of earning my trust in this moment. He didn't care…maybe he had before…but not now…and never would he care again. He was insane and unstable. "Oh no…" he trailed off for a moment, expression growing grim, eyes fearful. "He's trying to turn you against me, isn't he? He-He wants you to leave me!" he was acting as scared as I was forced to be on a daily basis. But I didn't pity him. The time for that had run out a long time ago.

"No!" I barked, wiping the tears from my eyes. "It's not like that at all!" I insisted, praying that he would accept this and let it all go. I mean…if he were to things could go back to 'normal' since Duncan was no longer in the picture. He wouldn't be there for me whenever Trent threatened me and this way Trent's jealousy would die down and perhaps some of his violent tendencies would as well.

"Liar! I know you better then that! I know you're plotting something." he pointed a finger at me accusingly, fear transforming back into his common expression of hate, void of affection.

"Trent…please, I was just talking to Duncan. I wasn't trying to make you jealous. I swear!" I tried to convince him further, knowing deep down that nothing in the world that I did or said would get him on my side and have his faith restored in me.

"You dirty little whore! I can't believe you don't even have the decency to admit you're cheating on me!" His fists were clenched now and his eyes held a look I'd only seen once before when he'd been moments away from attacking Duncan. Of coarse he lost, but…he'd put up on hell of a fight. Only, this time those eyes were focused on nothing but me. I was his target. He wanted to hurt me. Hurt me so fucking bad….

Despite this I found myself saying more. "Why won't you listen to me! If you really loved me you'd trust me more!" And that's what did it. I knew it even before he acted, clamping my hands over my mouth like I had when I'd lashed out against Duncan earlier. God…help me.

He didn't say a word, but he didn't have to. I knew what he planned by the way he looked and I instantly jolted from my place in front of him, launching into a sprint along the beach with him hot on my trail. "You can't run from me!" he bellowed, gaining on me fast.

My breathing was ragged, the only thing keeping me going being the adrenaline that pumped through my veins. "Leave me alone!" I cried over my shoulder, seeing the fire that burned in his black eyes.

"Only if you admit you're cheating!" his scream was closer now and my speed was slowly slipping away.

"I didn't do anything!" I sobbed, making the risky move of turning about and heading back towards the cabins. I refused to do this alone. In fact, I flat out couldn't do this alone. I needed someone right now, a witness of the sort to Trent's insanity. Even if they were incapable of saving me. It would be enough for them to hear me scream. That way I wouldn't be alone. At least, that's what would have to do if I couldn't make it to Duncan. But deep down I hoped I would.

As I sprinted up the hill toward the cabin I caught Trent's eye again and now saw smugness. He knew he would be able to catch me easy now. I wasn't really headed in the exact direction of him but considering I was headed up hill he would easily have the momentum to get me. And he did. "Gotcha!" he cried triumphantly, laughing darkly.

"No!" I moaned, reaching out in front of me as far as I could as if to grasp some invisible force. "N-No…"

"Shut up!" Trent growled, pulling me back and causing me to fall onto my back and slide down the hill. For an instant my foot caught onto something and it hurt, but before I could think of it further I'd hit the bottom and was jolted.

I groaned, rubbing my head tenderly and hoping there was nothing more then a bump present.

"Get up!" he ordered, stomping down the hill toward me. I hesitated, afraid. "I said get up!"

I slowly moved to my feet, a sharp pain shooting through my ankle so that I could not help but scream and collapse back the ground. "Shit." I murmured automatically, gripping my ankle as if this would somehow work to cease the pain.

"Damn it Gwen, get up!"

"I can't! You hurt my ankle." I tried to say calmly, a hint of resentment showing through.

"I don't care if you're missing a limb, I told you to get up." he said sharply, but in a way similar to mine in the fact that he refrained from yelling.

Still I cowered, working myself up again. I searched desperately for anyone within my sight. Over at the dock, lingering by the cabins, anywhere! And then I swear I noticed someone. They were leaning back against a tree a ways back from the top of the hill. They were trying their best to ignore us but I could easily tell they were stealing looks every now and then. They were my only hope. "H-Help! Help me!" I cried, foolishly alerting Trent to the fact we were no longer alone.

Both Trent and the other perked, turning their heads toward one another. And that's when I saw it. His hard face, jet black hair, and clenched fists. It was Duncan. And it hit me. He had never really left me. He had probably seen Trent coming my way and been watching over me as he interrogated me. This meant I'd be all right. But most importantly this meant he still cared about me. I hadn't done enough to drive him away. My lip quivered and a small smile formed on my lips. "D-Duncan…" I said to myself.

Trent emitted a low growl. "You had him spy on us!" he erupted, a deranged look spreading across his face. "You…" he grabbed a hold of my wrist and yanked me to my feet, causing immense pain not only to my ankle but to my wrist as well as he dung his fingernails into them.

"I didn't!" I swore up and down, fighting harder then I thought I could have to get away so I could reach Duncan's side. "Duncan!" I pleaded. "H-Help me." the once quieted tears began to slip down my already stained face for the umpteenth time.

What happened next was both expected yet not all at the same time. First I wriggled out of his death grip. I started to run. But before I got anywhere I felt a sudden jab of pain in my stomach. I gasped, eyes wide in disbelief as I slowly crumpled to the ground on my knees clutching my stomach tight. After the initial sharp intact of air I found it hard to breathe. I struggled for air.

"Idiot." he hissed. I would have reacted in shock if I weren't already there thanks to the blow he'd delivered.

"Gwen!" Duncan cried out, no longer able to remain an innocent bystander. He rushed over to my side, wrapping his arms gingerly around me. "Are you ok?"

I whimpered, "N-No." coughing shortly after as I leaned my head into the crook of his neck, sobs growing worse.

As soon as his eyes turned away from me they lost the softness they held and turned harder then stone, vicious even. "You're an asshole! You know that!" he growled harshly. "You have no right to do this to her! She loves you damn it! I don't know why, but she does! She would never cheat on your sorry ass or hurt you in any way even when you deserve it!" his teeth were bared and mouth twitched slightly from anger.

"I don't care what you think! I know her! I know that something's going on!" Trent bit back, eyes ablaze and fists clenched.

"Then you're even dumber then I thought! Anyone with a brain can tell that she would do anything, even put up with your shit, just to try and make you happy." Duncan made a disgusted face, pulling me closer.

Trent shook with fury and I shrank back as far as I could while still remaining in Duncan's hold. "What. Ever." he spat, a hint of regret flickering in his dull eyes. I could tell he was getting a bit of his sanity, if it could be called that, back. But I didn't move an inch closer. I remained frozen.

"Now get. She doesn't need a psycopath staring her down right now." Duncan glared at him in a way that said 'I dare you to do something about me.'

Trent appeared to be contemplating the notion but managed to use what little logic he possessed to decide against fighting Duncan. At least for now. He probably remembered the last time he fought him. He emitted a low growl before turning on his heel and heading back towards the party to pretend like nothing had happened.

Once Trent was out of sight Duncan's anger subsided and he returned his soft eyes to me. "Does it still hurt?" he said gently, running his hand down my arm to rest upon my hand which I still had grasping my stomach.

I swallowed hard, moving my head out of the crook of his neck so that I could easily look up into his beautiful teal eyes, his smile working to calm me further. "A little." I answering timidly, still fearful of what might happen next. Trent had turned on me. So why not Duncan?

He was silent for a bit, looking more at where Trent had hit me then me specifically. He sighed, "I'm sorry."

I perked, "Sorry…?" I started. "For what?"

He looked so sad. "I shouldn't have left you like that."

I shook my head in the negative. "No. It's not your fault."

"But, if I hadn't gone then he wouldn't have hit you again." My eyes grew wide. He ran his hand over my right cheek, making me cringe.

"How did you know…?" I had tried my best throughout the conversation earlier to make sure the side of my face farthest from him stayed that way. I had thought I'd done a good job at it. But apparently not.

He smiled gently, "I know you." his words were simple and kind of jolting all at once. It was what Trent always said as a reason behind his fury. "And I saw the blood." he said with less pleasure.

"Oh." was all I could think to say to this. I hadn't realized that after he had hit me back at the party it had been enough to make me bleed. I wiped at my mouth, feeling the chilling texture of what I feared most.

He used the thumb of the hand that was already on my cheek to wipe at my mouth, getting what remained of the blood. He sighed irritably. "I was wrong to get mad."

"Oh stop it!" I cried in disbelief. He blinked a couple of times, confused. "You did nothing wrong. It was all me! If I weren't so weak minded then Trent wouldn't be able to control me and get me to stay with him, if I were stronger he wouldn't be able to hit me and get away with it, and if I hadn't yelled then you wouldn't have abandoned me!" For some reason my rant lead me to my feet so that, for a moment, I towered over Duncan. But no longer. In the next instant the pain that had afflicted me before shot through my ankle once more. I yelped, unable to support my own weight.

"Gwen!" Duncan cried in alarm, jumping up so fast that he was able to catch me half way in between. "What's wrong?" he prodded.

My hands were on his shoulders now and face inches from his, a heat rising in my face. I should have thought it was weird and a little bit awkward but I didn't. We were just friends. Best friends. Nothing more. As we stayed like this I made sure to keep my foot off the ground. "My ankle." was all I said, ashamed.

He heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good."

I snorted. "Good?"

"I thought it was something worse." he was sincerely concerned. So different then Trent was to me or even Courtney to Duncan. It was sad really. We were both trapped in this little cage together, both unable to do a thing about our own situation while simultaneously trying to make the others bearable.

I smiled a bit, leaning in closer so that I could rest my head on his chest. "I'm glad someone cares." I said with content, closing my eyes and inhaling his scent.

It was an odd thing to do but he kissed my forehead, moving his grip around my upper back down around my waist. Still, I refused to think of it as anything more then a friendly gesture. It was definitely making me feel better anyway.

"Can you carry me then? I mean…to my cabin." I asked sweetly, not opening my eyes.

He made a noise that sounded pleased rather then annoyed. "K, baby." he hoisted me up into his arms bridal style in a mere few seconds. He was really strong and good at this. I guessed Courtney had him do it too.

I chuckled lightly, hands around his neck and head turned in such a way that I could still get a glimpse of the sea or lake or whatever it was as he walked away from it. "Duncan…" I said after a minute.

"Hmm…?"

"I'm glad we're friends." I smiled.

He smiled too. "Yeah. You're the best friend a guy could have."

I was ecstatic over this and decided that I wouldn't say anything more. I didn't need to. He was right, he knew me well. Anything I could say wouldn't come as a surprise to him. And I loved it that way. Being an item would only ruin that bond. So no matter what, for better or for worse, we'd stay friends. Forever.

Just a note. I might maybe turn this into a chapter thing depending on how many people really want me to do it. If I do Courtney will be brought into the picture as well. It'll be a CxDxGxT love square. XD My fav one too! Anyway, enjoy!