Warning: One instance of "hell."

Note: Might I suggest listening to "Love in Stereo" by Sky Ferreira or "Night Sky" by CHVRCHES while reading this? They're really good songs and I feel they relate to the story below in their own ways.

Resolution

Midnight struck. Confetti and balloons fell. Noisemakers were blown. Music was blared even more than it already had been. Friends and lovers alike toasted to new beginnings. Kisses were stolen and granted, some with promising outcomes and others with dire consequences.

It was twenty minutes into the new year and some were more excited about it than others.

Nikki grabbed and quickly downed a flute of sparkling apple cider after a server passed by with a complimentary tray of them. She glanced at Jonesy, who, after drinking his flute, wore a wide smile. "You're looking awfully happy."

"That's because I came up with an awesome New Year's resolution."

An eyebrow went up. "Oh, pray tell, Jonesy. What is it?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "Topping how awesome I was last year."

She shook her head and scoffed, "You're so demented."

"Really? How so?" Quickly, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer so he could whisper in her ear. "Because I got you last year." He kissed her neck softly.

She repeated the words she told him on Christmas Eve. "Oh, you sly bastard."

Truth be told, his New Year's resolution was to keep her as long as possible, but he figured out a less cheesy and "more Jonesy-ish" way of telling her. With her in his embrace, he asked, "So what's your New Year's resolution?"

Remaining mute, she looked up.

"Honest."

"Well, if you really wanna know, I don't want to have any regrets this year"–her eyes darted in a different direction, her voice more uneasy–"and I certainly don't want to relive last year's hell." Memories of words she shouted, cried, and eerily whispered in recent months ago played like a broken record in her head.

Jonesy placed a hand on her cheek. His voice was so sincere when speaking, "And you won't. I'll be here for you. We'll all be here for you."

She let out a single chuckle, then said, "Thanks."

"Anytime." He leaned over and gave her a kiss, one that she was more than happy to return.

Jen wasn't happy. Her friends had no genuine idea why this could be, but gave her some space regardless. Caitlin figured it was because her boyfriend wasn't there to celebrate with her, but that wasn't the case. She was reeling and saddened and borderline unresponsive, the only reason she actually moved being to get a drink. Never did she think the new year would start with her already being so torn, but it did. To begin this new year with these complicated feelings, she needed distance and time. Timing was everything, and as of now, it was bittersweet.

Her new years' resolution was to stay the hell away, for her own good and for his. At least until she got the answers needed.

A/N: Nothing like almost closing 2013 on a high note for Nikki and Jonesy and a low angst-filled one for Jen, right? I really like writing holiday-based fics for this show. Since they've had Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, and Halloween specials, I plan on making drabbles/one-shots/chapter stories for the latter two as well (in due time). Hope you enjoyed it.