Jeremy's POV

Sitting next to Evan with our hands entwined together was by far the best feeling in the world. Starting a new year with a man that I'm still pinching myself about, is a dream I better never wake up from. I never thought things would feel as perfect as they have lately, but I'm certainly not complaining. 

No Siree!

Even my uptight twin seems to have had some luck with love, if watching Scarlet run into his arms like long lost lovers was anything to go off. That crush had been slightly unbearable since it came to my attention, even before Crys brought Scar into our little social group, it was annoying. 

Also my troublesome little sister, I can't even begin to express how happy I am to have her home with us for the new year. I hated that she left us to go to a different college, but we agreed that after everything, she needs to be independent. If I knew it would end with her running into the arms of an abusive bastard, I would have held her captive in our apartment and kept her tied to a desk to finish college with us. 

After all that's happened, it's so nice to see my family whole and happy again. 

It's all I've ever wanted.

Scarlet and James can't seem to bring themselves to separate since she came bouncing back, with her sitting on his lap on the outdoor couch. His expression trying to show that typical look to it, only I can see the joy bouncing around in his eyes, or catch the glances down at Scarlet wrapped in his arms. 

My baby sister is likely in the same situation with Harv right about now, even though that can be puke worthy to be around. They are oddly what I think people call 'couple goals,' the friendship they clearly still have alongside their relationship just shows the bond they will always carry. 

Seeing her walking back to us, hand in hand with Harv breaks me from my thoughts, more so the paled look of her skin compared to before. Something has definitely happened, and I know everyone else can see it too. Perhaps another anxiety attack, though she seems to be getting better when it comes to them. She seems to be happy at least, the smile is real unlike the fake ones we used to get. I'll just have to remember to check on her later on. 

Everything feels just right between all of us, and for the first time in months, I can feel my body just letting go of the stress it's held. Resting my head on Evans shoulder, I feel him give my hand a gentle squeeze seeming to sense my content mood. Evan has been nothing less than amazing to me, and I can only hope to never have to let him go.

All of our friends are in total support of us, regardless of anything else. Life feels like it has finally reached that perfect point, and I couldn't imagine a better way to start the new year than with the people who I call family.

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Harv's POV

Had you asked me hours ago, I'd have said that our new years had plummeted right into the dirt. After finding Crys talking with that monster she once dated, who hurt her immensely before she came to live with us, was like having someone slap you in the face. 

Without looking at her face, I could see something was off with her. The normally relaxed woman was tense all over her body, hands gripping her dress tightly, save for the slight tremble I could see. Her shy behaviour towards him bothered me too, the fear she clearly still subconsciously felt, showing in her submissive gaze at the floor.

She shouldn't ever have to feel like she needs to cower from anyone.

Learning who he was definitely compelled me to utilise the self control my father tried to teach me growing up, as hard as it was in that moment. The scary thing was that he didn't look like someone you would picture as an abuser either, he looked like a normal guy that you could be friends with. Though Crys had explained to me before we rejoined our group, that he looked more like his old self compared to when she last saw him. Apparently due to him getting his shit together again, regardless, I don't trust him near her. 

After the scum bag finally left, I could practically see the nerves calming down throughout her body as he got further away. The moment he was out of our sight completely, the anger I was holding in went with him, and I was left feeling concerned for the woman who has done so much healing after the leaving him to come here. 

She surprised me further by smiling up at me with glistening blue eyes, the happiness that shone through them was clear as day despite the tears gathering. She looked almost free, like nothing in the world has ever gone wrong or ever will. 

If only that had been the case for her. 

After we went back to our group of friends, I pulled Crys onto my lap as we sat next to James and Scarlet. Needing to feel her close to me, almost reassuring myself that she's still here and okay. She seemed to need it too though, since she simply curled more into my chest as I wrapped my arms around her. 

You could see that the others had their concern for the beauty in my lap, but knew that if it was anything they needed to know right now, we'd tell them. Even if I wanted to tell them that he was here, I know that if she isn't saying it that I shouldn't either.

"Let's go dance you guys, we're meant to be celebrating the new year after all!" Scarlet's commanding voice yelled over the still loud tunes that could be heard from outside. 

The girls all light up at the idea, while the rest of us guys groaned at the very thought. Well with the exception of Jeremy and Evan, who seem excited at the idea of dancing together. 

"Come on James! What's the point of being at a new years party, if we aren't going to dance until midnight?" Scarlet tried to reason, especially since midnight wasn't too far away.

I could still see his unease at the idea of dancing with her for the first time, I started to realise I had no problem with it. Despite the last time we were in this circumstance, it ended with my girlfriend nearly being assaulted, I won't let that happen ever again. Plus I can't pretend the idea of dancing with this woman doesn't appeal to me. 

She's looking as gorgeous as ever tonight in her skin tight red dress, the low back line that's resting on my chest is slowly driving me crazy. 

With that thought in mind, I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close to me as I stand us back up. Her surprisingly happy face lights up the night sky, showing just how overjoyed she is that I'm not making a fuss like her brother.

Kissing her hand gently, I guide her inside to where the music is blaring so loud the floor seems to shake. The makeshift dance floor is entirely covered with the other party goers, grinding on each other to the beat of the song. The whole thing is rather overwhelming, but Crys' eyes light up as the music flows through her being. 

With Crys dragging me further towards the tightly pressed bodies, we thankfully stop relatively close to the edge of the floor. The smile of her face stunning me for a moment before I pull her closer to me by her hips, kissing her gently on the lips. 

With the bass pounding so high that you felt your body vibrate, and the music so loud you know your ears will be ringing later on, we danced together with our friends joining us. The happiness that everyone clearly felt was radiating throughout the party, as everyone seemed to be having a good night before the new year started. 

I keep my hands firmly on her hips, hoping to not give in to the temptation of doing more with her right here on the dance floor. This is pretty difficult when she has her smooth exposed back to me, with her hips swaying in a smooth motion ever so close to my jeans. 

My hands tighten on her hips trying to control her movements, causing her to stop her dancing after a moment. Though my relief is short lived when she slowly turns around to face me, a devious little smile on her beautiful face. 

"Are you okay there, Harv?" She asks, her warm breath blows over my ear, making me shudder. 

"I'm fine. Are you enjoying yourself?" I ask, hoping to get some self control.

Looking down at her slightly shorter frame, I can't help but admire the beautiful woman that she is. It always captivates me, to get lost in those ocean blue eyes. I can't imagine not having her by my side, she's my best friend, even more so than the twins, I guess the best relationships do come from friendship.

Pulling her body tight against me, I start to slowly dance with her, swaying side to side ever so slightly. Her happy face easing me away from reality, the music fading along with the other people we're partying with. 

She simply chuckles at my weird ways before leaning her head on my right shoulder, listening to the likely frantic beat of my heart. My fingers lightly gliding up and down the skin of her back, just as hers lightly trace the back of my neck. 

We could live in a world with no one else in existence, and I think I'd be perfectly happy if she was the only other living soul I could be with for the rest of my life. 

My brain barely registering that the music has been lowered so much that it's barely audible, up until I start to hear the tell tale countdown for the new year. Someone's voice is vaguely heard, telling people that the new year is approaching, to find that someone special that you'll share a new year's kiss with. 

Crys and I pull apart slightly, smiling at each other like goofy idiots. I wouldn't want to share my new year's kiss with anyone else. 

"You sure you don't want to quickly find someone more to your taste?" I tease her, earning that laugh I love so much. 

"Nah, I think I've left it a bit too late for that. I guess you're stuck with me, sorry." She smiles up at me.

'10, 9, 8,'

"I couldn't picture anyone better than starting the new year with you." I tell her honestly. 

'7,6,5,'

"Really?"

"Really, Really." 

'4,3,2,'

"You really are the best, Harv." 

'1,'

"You really are my world." 

'Happy New Year!!!' A chorus shouts around us, as we join in the uproar. 

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I lift her off the ground and spin the both of us a few times. Her laughter could be heard over everything else, the two us just spinning around. Slowing to a stop, I slowly lower her so that one arm is around her back and the other is wrapped just under her perfect arse. 

Her lips so close to mine that it's impossible not to want to taste them, the look of lust in her eyes not helping my own desires. It's a good thing we have self control, or these people might have gotten a show for their new year too. 

"Happy New Year, Harv." She whispers, her warm breath fanning lightly over my face.

"Happy New Year, Crys." I mumble, not wanting to hold back any longer.

We connect our lips in a slow but sensual kiss, the exchange turning heated only moments later. My tongue grazing along her bottom lip, gaining access instantly. How I wish we weren't out at a party, I'm likely a little too drunk right now. Her nails lightly grazing up through my hair, the combing feeling sending shivers up my spine. Slowly lowering her down onto her feet, I keep my hold on her close. My lower hand moving up to rest on her perfectly rounded arse, giving it a light squeeze as she pulls my hair. 

Knowing if we don't stop soon, this might go further than we would want it to on this dance floor, I kiss her one more time before pulling away. Keeping my head resting on hers, desperately trying to get some control over my body and its raging hormones. She seems to be doing the same thing, biting her bottom lips as she gazes at me hungrily. 

"Well, damn that was hot." Scarlets voice breaks the haze we were lost in.

Looking at all of our friends, who seem to be just staring at us. All I can think about is wanting another taste of those delicious lips, and how amazing this new year is already shaping up to me. 

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Holy cow! Over 2.3k reads this the last update!

Did you like Jeremy's POV?

Or Harv's?

I promise when school holidays are over, I'll update more often!

I swear it's a miracle I got anything up this weekend! My son got glasses for the first time, we went to see Hotel Transylvania 3, went to mini robot wars, and donated blood. 

Time for a rest, I think.

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