IM5 Preferences

28. New Year's Eve

COLE

You’re with Cole at his home back in Texas, and it’s nerve wracking, you’ve never been away from your family for the holidays. But Cole’s family has been so welcoming and it hasn’t been as bad as you thought. It’s close to midnight and the two of you are sitting on the roof of his house, looking up at the stars and watching the lights from the distant fireworks. You’re not counting down, instead you’re savoring he end of this year together. It’s more calm this way, and you keeps you from worrying too much about the future. You can hear people vaguely cheering, and Cole turns to you, “I guess it’s midnight.” You nod, “Yeah…Happy new year,” you smile. “Happy new year,” he breathes and turns to kiss you softly on the cheek.

DALTON

You’re trying so hard to stay awake until midnight, but Dalton has enough energy for the both of you right now. You didn’t think he’d be so excited about New Year’s, but maybe it’s just because you’re here. He’s been so happy all day and he hasn’t stopped smiling since you got here this afternoon. And it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, knowing that you make him happy. You’re lying on the couch and he’s sitting on the floor, the television on when the countdown begins. You’re trying to hold your eyes open, but your eyelids are growing heavy… You’re only half awake when everyone in the house shouts, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” and Dalton comes over to you to plant a gentle kiss on the bridge of your nose.

DANA

You won’t be doing much for New Year’s, but at least you’re spending it with Dana. It’s past eleven and the air outside is freezing, lucky for you, you’re all warm inside. You’re sitting on the couch beside him, blankets wrapped around the both of you, waiting for midnight, so you can celebrate together. You’ve been drinking hot cocoa, trying to stay awake, and watching whatever’s airing on television. You lean over and rest your head on Dana’s shoulder as he’s going through the channels. He looks at you, mildly surprised, “Getting comfortable?” You just blush and nod, nuzzling your face into his shoulder. He chuckles and you both look at the television just in time to see the ball drop as it hits midnight. “Happy new year,” you murmur. He answers by smashing his lips to yours.

GABE

You’re both at a small New Year’s party and you’ve lost track of Gabe. You start searching for him, as it’s nearing midnight and you don’t want to ring in the New Year alone. You spot him standing alone outside with his hands shoved deep in his pockets. You smile to yourself and go to join him. The cold air hits you, but you don’t mind. “Hey,” you greet. He turns and looks at you, “Hey. Having fun?” You nod, “Yeah,” and smile, “You?” He looks down and shakes his head slightly, “New Year’s isn’t really my thing. I just feel like it’s really anticlimactic. We think it’s going to be a whole new thing, ‘new year, new me’, but that never lasts.” Everyone starts cheering and it must be midnight. Gabe kisses you gently on the cheek, “Happy new year,” and walks back inside leaving you alone and confused.

WILL

You’re lying on the couch with your head in Will’s lap as he absentmindedly plays with your hair. “Excited for the new year?” you ask. “Hmmm, I guess. I mean it’s not as special as when I was younger, but I guess it’s still a nice thing to celebrate, it gives us hope for the future and all.” You think about what he’s just said, simply laying there without a word. The television isn’t on and the house is oddly still. “I never thought of it like that,” you murmur in reply. He shrugs, “New Year’s isn’t that great, but I do like the idea of spending it with someone special.” You blush and look up at him to see him grinning. He gently runs his fingers through your hair one last time before you sit up and take his face in your hands, kissing him softly.