Gwen didn’t need much time to contemplate before agreeing at the opportunity to see the fireworks, that was the one aspect of the holiday that she did enjoy. Something about everyone shutting up just to witness flashing lights resonated with her. She thanked him as she reached for her food, “Yeah, my publicist makes me go to these kinds of things. They’re exactly how you think it is, just a bunch of uppity people networking.” The parties were all the same, with any luck she could find someone to endure the one hour she was mandated to stay for but usually it ended with her drinking alone in the corner of the room. “I don’t like it when it hits midnight and suddenly everyone is cheering and kissing all around me, it feels so suffocating. I ditched before I had to deal with all of that.” New Years was a nightmare for a claustrophobic introvert like Gwen, there’s nothing quite like people she didn’t know trying to hug her that would drive her as insane.
“Bacon too? Wow, I’m really being pampered over here.” The thought that he was doing the most for her did cross her mind, maybe it was a bit selfish to think that but then again Duncan wasn’t exactly known for being caring. Regardless, she chalked it up to him just being in an offering kind of mood. Her face cringed at the memories that she tried hard to forget, “At least I sounded better than you, I’m surprised you even show your face around with that footage of you out there.” She’d let out a couple laughs, not occurring to her that this was the most relaxed she’s been around him since the breakup. It was a bit freeing when she wasn’t thinking about their relationship, just treating him like she did as any other friend. “Let’s be real, that whole season was a huge mistake,” Forgetting that their relationship ended up forming that season. it took her a second to realize what she’d said. “I mean,” her voice lowered, “it was pretty obvious that they were running out of ideas..” She’d hoped her attempt in forging an excuse for what she’d admitted was enough but it was pretty clear she’d regretted a lot more than just signing up for the show.
"Ah, the publicist. Of course." He chuckled, having always hated the idea of someone controlling his life choices. He didn’t have one, or so he acts like he didn’t have one. At this point, people have given up on the thought that Duncan would listen to them. The only person closest to authority (and to which he doesn’t even qualify as an authority) was Chris himself. Duncan leaned on his kitchen counter in silence, enjoying the presence of Gwen around him. This was rare, he thought to himself while he binge on some mac and cheese. "The smoochies. Ugh." Duncan hated public displays of affection, but of course, things change when emotions are at play. He simply couldn’t forget their kiss together—the controversial confessional kiss that blew the internet apart. It was good for a reason: because he really, truly liked Gwen. Though he had to admit, there was much failure on his part to keep things in tact. "Well, you've come to the right place. We’re about to blow things up, and watch some fancy lights pollute the sky. What a great way to start the year, don’t you think?" He let out a laugh, this time turning his back once more to check his bacon.
He placed the cooked bacon on a plate before placing them back on the counter. "That’s better than anything the chef could make." He boasted, taking a bite. It didn’t take much to cook one, but he rarely ever cooks, so he’d hype him up just to encourage himself. "Come, try it." Duncan took one piece, and extended his hand to place the bacon near her mouth. "It’s dope. Trust me." He had that enthusiastic look on his face, quite proud of his own effort. "Your voice better than mine? Ha, good joke." He teased, raising an eyebrow as he snickered at her. They were bad at it, that’s for sure. The whole singing part was a mess, and it didn’t help that it was also the season Courtney found out about them. When Gwen admitted that the season was a mistake, Duncan stopped chewing, suddenly surprised by her confession. He didn’t regret what happened, of him knowing Gwen in the process and liking her for who she was. Hell, he chose her, despite his shortcomings. "I’m grateful for that season. I don’t think I’ll change my mind about it anytime soon, even if they force me to sing again."