thirteen ⇨ real life.
new years eve, 2017

SEBASTIAN KEPT HARPER TUCKED into his side as they stood alone the kitchen. She didn't really mind since they were away from the noise and he kept her warm with his body heat. For the past few minutes, it had been silent between them so they could hear when everyone counted the seconds to New Years and the ball dropped on Live television.

Though it was much cooler in person to watch, Sebastian didn't want to be anywhere else. He was rather happy where he was; with Harper by his side, a drink in hand and in a warm house with his friends. That's how he preferred his holidays, it meant more to him.

"Ten!"

Harper glanced up at Sebastian when she heard the people in the other begin to shout. She smiled softly, "Ball's about to drop."

"Nine!"

He grinned, "No place where I'd rather be."

She rolled her eyes, but the smile remained and she leaned up to kiss his cheek. Harper carefully tucked herself back to Seb's side once she felt herself growing cold again.

"Eight!"

"It's better when you're here," Harper commented, "You and Ivona and Chris. Everything just feels complete."

His heart began to flutter at her words and it seemed his mind had made a decision instantly. Sebastian didn't mind, deep down anyway, it was time that he finally made a move. His fear always stopped him years previous, but Sebastian vowed to make 2018 his year and he was determined.

"Seven!"

He nodded, "I'll agree, dragă."

Harper giggled at the Romanian nickname he had given her years ago, something that was like music to her ears when it fell from his lips.

"Six!"

"I hate that we live so far away from each other sometimes. I just need my favorite Boo Bear, sometime." Harper shrugged, gently squeezing his torso.

"Five!"

He glanced down to the brunette beside him, a smile coming to his lips unconsciously. Sebastian couldn't help himself, the woman beside him was gorgeous and had been the center of his affection for nearly eight years. He could only see the woman he loved.

"You ever been kissed on New Years, Harp?" Sebastian asked in curiosity, raisin an eyebrow at her.

"Four!"

Harper shook her head, and a sigh almost escaped her lips. "Never had a relationship last enough for that possibility. It's always the distance that bothers guys." She explained shortly.

Sebastian bit down on his bottom and sent her a grin that took her a second to recognize.

"Three!"

He moved slightly, untucking her from his side. Sebastian stood before her, his hands leaning on the counter on either side of her body.

"Two!"

"Let me change that for you, dragă." His sweet voice soothed her and calmed the anxious feeling that was settled in her heart, though just a bit was still there.

Everyone in the other room had shouted "one" and signaled the drop of the New Years ball. In that second, despite the nerves running through his veins, Sebastian leaned down and connected their lips. And for a moment, it was like the world had melted away as his hands rested on her waist and brought her closer and her arms were coming to cup his face.

The kiss had been magical for the two and lasted a lot longer than it should have. They pulled away minutes later, and the party was at full swing again.

Harper felt breathless when the kiss was discontinued and Sebastian rested his forehead against hers. Neither moved from the position, until seconds later when Harper attempted to nudge her way out.

Sebastian dropped his arms and let her go, not letting his slight frown show. Harper quickly turned around to him before she left the kitchen and rushed over to press a kiss to his cheek.

"I just—" she failed to find the words with her brain in a jumbled mess and her heart beating wildly. "I'll be back, I'll find you."

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whoops, time for the angst?