A/N: My apologies for posting this so late in the day. I literally just finished this about 5 minutes ago. I think I've only eaten two waffles and a handful of pretzels in the last twelve hours. There will be an epilogue coming at some point. Hopefully by the end of January. I'm not sure because of school and such... But, yeah. Here it is!
December 31st
The next morning, almost everyone slept in until at least 10 AM. The first one to rise was Skyler. Rolling out of the warm, cozy bed, he grabbed the Dalton Warblers blazer from Christmas Eve that Darren encouraged him to keep since they had extras back on set. Quietly, he picked up his laptop and crept into the kitchen. He peered out the large windows at the city below, smiling faintly at how picturesque the scene looked.
Setting down his laptop on the kitchen table, he waited for it to start up. Skyler rubbed his arms as he made his way over to the fireplace and pulled back the guard to place a new log inside. After lighting the fire, he pushed the protective gate back into place and returned to the kitchen. Opening up iTunes, he chose his "Relaxation" playlist and turned up the volume just loud enough for him to hear.
Next, he entered the kitchen and pulled out a small bag of coffee grinds and the coffee maker. Just as the coffee had finished dripping into his mug, he heard a new melody interrupting his music. As he picked up his mug and approached the laptop, the words, "Incoming call from Iclmyer" flashed across the screen. Smiling, he accepted the call and paused his music. He took a seat at the table, sipping his coffee, as the program connected him to his companion.
"Buongiorno, il mio bello," the voice on the other end of the line greeted.
Blushing, Skyler ran a hand through his hair and smiled, "Oh, going all Italian, are we? Well, right back at you."
He simply nodded his head and laughed, "Sleep well?"
"Yeah. How about you?" the green eyed boy nodded.
"Same here. I'm excited to see you all again tonight," Darren grinned.
"Oh, yeah! Where should we meet up?" he asked.
"Well, we could all go for dinner somewhere," the hazel eyed singer suggested.
"Sounds good! And if we finish early, you guys can come hang out at our place for a while. We're near Times Square," Skyler grinned.
"Perfect,"he complied with a smile.
Before Skyler could say another word, his blue eyed best friend entered the room.
"Darren?" the blond inquired.
When the dark haired actor nodded, he began to leave.
"Wait, what's up?" Skyler asked, causing him to pause.
Shrugging, he replied, "Nothing important. Just wanted to think out loud with someone."
"About?"
"Nothing. Don't worry about it."
"Chad," he insisted.
Sighing, the blond poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from his friend.
"Should I go?" Darren asked. "It's totally fine. We can talk later."
"No, you don't have to, Darren," Chad answered. "I just didn't want to interrupt you two."
"Oh, it's alright. Go ahead,"the dark brunet reassured as his boyfriend slid his laptop to the center of the table.
"I just… I don't understand why Sonny would go on another date with Conroy after what he did to her," the blue eyed boy stated softly to his coffee mug.
"I'm sorry, I'm not quite caught up to speed. What did he do last time?"the professional musician questioned.
"Conroy took Sonny out on a date and dumped her for her best friend. And then vice versa," Skyler rolled his eyes in disgust.
"He's such a weasel,"he muttered. "Sorry, continue."
"Well, I don't think she considered seeing Phantom with him a date. I think it was more of a… trial date sort of thing," the older actor nodded.
"Yeah! Like, if he behaved himself, she would give him a second chance or something," Darren added.
"I guess, so…" he sighed, pushing his coffee mug in. Burying his face in his arms, he mumbled, "Mmph. Why do girls have to be so complicated? And she, of all girls, is especially confusing."
"That's just the way it is," Skyler shrugged. "Glad I'm over my denial phase," he noted with a small smile, looking at his boyfriend smiling back at him.
"Shut up, Sky," he grumbled.
"Alright, alright. I guess all you can really do at this point is be nice and listen to what she has to say."
"I tried that the other day…" he started, lifting his head.
"And how did that go for you?" the oldest boy asked.
"Well, I kissed her on the cheek and she didn't react…"
"No reaction is better than a bad one," he pointed out.
"So, that happened and it didn't occur to you to continuing acting the same way around her?" the theater enthusiast quirked an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee.
"I'm used to hiding that side of me around her, I guess… It's become an automatic thing for me."
"Well, you'd better start working on that," he sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"What should he start working on?" the groggy brunette girl asked as she entered the kitchen.
"Oh, just lines for our next episode. Our director just emailed us a revised script," Chad lied flawlessly.
"You have to memorize lines over hiatus? That doesn't seem fair," she frowned, sitting down next to Skyler as he got up to pour her a mug of warm coffee.
Shrugging, the blond replied, "That's the price of being on a real TV show."
"Real? So Random's real too, y'know," she rolled her eyes, thanking her friend for the drink.
After Skyler shot him the "Be nice!" look, he murmured, "Sorry, force of habit."
"Hi, Sonny!"the chipper actor greeted her through the computer.
"Oh! Hey, Darren!" she smiled, giving a small wave. "What's up?"
"Sky and I were just making plans for all of us to meet up later tonight for dinner," he told her with a huge grin.
"Mhm. And if we finish eating early, everyone can come back here and hang out before we go out into Times Square for the countdown," Skyler included.
"Sounds great! Where should we have dinner?" Sonny inquired.
As the committee of four made plans for the evening, little by little, the rest of their friends awoke.
Just after she had finished eating breakfast, Cassie's phone began to ring.
"I like the way you sound in the morning. We're on the phone and without a warning I realize your laugh is the best sound I have ever heard…"
"Oh, I love that song!" Sonny grinned as the blonde answered her phone, slipping away from the main group and hiding in her room.
"Hey, Cassie," came the male's voice through the phone.
Hearing the smile in his voice, she greeted, "Oh! Hey, Demetri. What's up?"
"Do you guys have plans tonight?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
"I think we're planning on going out to dinner and then into Times Square for the countdown."
"Oh? My dad and uncle are planning on taking me and my sisters to do the same. They said I could bring a friend if I wanted to…"
"Well, just hold on a sec. Maybe we could meet up for dinner or something. I know we're having dinner with the cast of Glee sometime tonight—Dylan! Hey, can we meet up with Demetri's family for dinner?"
Chandler Carson grinned at his son who was listening intently to his cell phone.
"Is that the girl I saw you with all evening at that the party?" he asked.
The boy nodded, swatting his father away as he waited to hear the girl's response.
Laughing, his father exited the room, leaving his son alone.
"My brother said that your dad or uncle should call Connie or Hannah and have them talk first. He said it should be fine though," Cassie confirmed.
"Okay, I'll do that," Demetri agreed. "I guess I'll probably see you tonight then."
"Sounds good. Either way, text me later," she requested.
"Alright. 'Bye," he replied, hanging up with a small smile.
"Mm, that was one of the best dinners I've had in my entire life," Grady sighed contently from the back of the group as they made their way down the street.
"Right, man? And making the lobsters talk: genius!" Nico grinned, high-fiving his best friend.
At the front of the group, the Coopers led the way.
"Chaddy, can we play I Spy?" Caleigh begged, tugging on her brother's sleeve.
"Maybe later, kiddo," he replied, pausing at the intersection, waiting for the light to change.
"I'll play!" Rider offered. "I spy something cold."
"Hmm…" Caleigh thought out loud, turning to Kari.
"Is it… The snow?" the blue-green eyed girl asked, looking up at Rider and pointing to the sky.
"Nope!" he shook his head.
"I don't know! What is it?" the 6-year-old Cooper exclaimed.
"Chase's heart," he pointed, earning a slap upside the head.
The little girls giggled as Lexi and Cassie rolled their eyes.
"Don't listen to them. We'll play later, okay?" the eldest Cooper told his sister as they crossed the street.
"Okie dokie," she chirped.
Once they were across the street, Rider picked up a chunk of snow and tossed in Chase's direction. Chase ducked and the snowball passed him, hitting Darren in the shoulder. Skyler stopped midsentence and tossed another snowball back at Rider.
Towards the end of the line, the mischievous Randoms looked at each other and simultaneously shouted, "Snowball fight!" and raced towards the entrance to Central Park.
Glancing at his watch, Darren grinned, "We've got plenty of time."
Instantly his costars ran after the comedians. Following closely behind were the Carsons, Coopers, and drama-snobs.
Splitting up, four teams formed. One team consisted of the Randoms, Lea, Amber, Mark, Cory, Harry, Jenna, and Kevin. Another included the drama-snobs, Darren, Dianna, Chris, Damian, Naya, and Heather. The third was a mix of the Carsons, the Cooper girls, James, Luke, and Rider. The remaining team was made of the adults who preferred to chat amongst themselves and observe the icy fight from a distance rather than participating.
Once the fortresses were constructed, the battle began.
I woke up in the middle of the night,
The first snowball flew out of So Random's hideout towards Mackenzie Falls' direction, smacking Chad in the neck.
Out of luck, with this girl on my mind.
Instinctively, he spun around and threw one back, successfully hitting the perky brunette on the forehead.
She got away, now I'm trying to explain how.
He automatically laughed at the sight, regretting it almost instantly. Luckily, she laughed along with him.
I fell in love, that's what I like to call it,
Wiping the snow off her face, Sonny tossed one back at him, missing and hitting Skyler instead.
But not enough, it's like I never saw it.
Looking to his boyfriend and his best friend, the three grinned and advanced towards the Random.
Drifting away, I am finding words to say,
But it all goes, "Whoa, whoa."
Just as they had her cornered, three snowballs were projected through the air, hitting each of them from behind, giving the brunette just enough time to escape.
But it all goes, "Whoa, whoa."
From behind the third wall of snow, James, Cassie, and Luke ducked to avoid their targets' retribution.
What does it take to get you,
If I never met you?
All of a sudden, Dianna, Chris, and Heather charged out from behind the drama-snobs' fort and attacked their friends at the opposing headquarters, to which Cory and Mark returned the favor by kidnapping Damian and Naya.
I wouldn't have ran across the country like
I'm out of my mind.
The invasions continued as Zora and Audrey wildly ran towards Cassie, "accidentally" bumping her into Luke and Demetri in the process.
What does it take to hold you,
When I'm here without you?
As Sonny and Tawni ran to take refuge behind a tree, James spotted and tailed them. Swooping in, he scooped up the younger girl and hoisted her over his shoulder. While he tried to run off with her, Tawni chased after him, tossing snowballs at his back, hitting Sonny several times unintentionally.
I don't know where to start.
I've gotta find you and your heart
Glancing in their direction, Chad rolled an abnormally large snowball and lobbed it at the back of James' head, making a direct hit.
Before it falls apart.
Once the brunet had set Sonny down, the blond turned around on his heel and raced towards his sisters, scaring them in the process.
I stayed up in the dead of the night.
Looking over at Cassie as she punched her brother for startling her, Demetri's own sister, Lexi, jumped onto his back, nearly knocking him down.
I made plans, if they turn out right.
Giggling, Kari ran in circles around him, kicking up small mounds of snow.
You'll close your eyes and think about the time when,
After ambushing Rider with Chase and Skyler, Darren stooped behind the deserted Falls haven to catch his breath.
When we fell in love, but didn't try to say it.
Joining him, Skyler rested as well, looking him in the eyes and smiling affectionately.
Knew what it was, the moment that we played it.
All of a sudden, an armload of snow was dumped over them courtesy of Rider Kingston.
We all lose sometimes, I can't get her off my mind.
Whoa, whoa.
Watching from a distance, Chase smiled faintly to himself only to have Luke tackling him down, Logan aiding him.
I'm finding words to say, but it all goes,
"Whoa, whoa."
Escaping from the Randoms' fort were Penelope and Portlyn being hounded by the So Random boys who were launching projectile after projectile.
What does it take to get you,
If I never met you?
Nearby, Lea and Amber chased after a fleeing Dianna, though Cory and Mark ended up capturing all three in the end.
I wouldn't have ran across the country like
I'm out of my mind.
The three little girls, Caleigh, Kari, and Lexi, crazily pursued Kevin, Harry, and Jenna, attempting to throw their misshapen snowballs at them.
What does it take to hold you,
When I'm here without you?
Just as soon as Chase had gotten back on his feet, he was knocked over once more, this time, by the green-gray eyed mutant.
I don't know where to start.
I've gotta find you and your heart
The pair tumbled over, the operative looking down into the eyes of his subject.
Before it falls apart.
Pushing him off, Chase composed himself once more and strode off.
What does it take to make it real?
Staring after him, Rider blinked several times before Sonny ran by and smashed a handful of snow onto the top of his head.
The world still spins and I'm still feeling
Your hand right next to mine.
The blond, blue eyed actor observed as his friend jumped to his feet, flying after her as she nearly ran into James, who kept her from stumbling to the ground.
I play it back a thousand times.
The thing that really got to him about that moment, was the smile she gave him when she looked up to see who had caught her.
I wish I took a photograph
For every moment that we laughed.
It was a smile that was usually reserved for one person.
I'm hung up and can't relax because
She's so far away.
It was the smile that Chad had only seen her give to him.
What does it take to get you?
Breaking his train of thought, Skyler jogged by, pitching a handful of snow in his face before returning to Chris and Darren across the battlefield.
What does it take to get you?
Before hunting down Skyler, Chad scanned the grounds quickly. He laughed under his breath as Logan hit Luke on the cheek with a snowball, which in turn made Luke pounce onto his back.
What does it take to get you,
If I never met you?
Right as the blond was about to take revenge on his best friend, Chase and Rider ran past him, dropping half a handful of snow down the back of his coat.
I wouldn't have ran across the country like
I'm out of my mind.
Sonny had seen the whole thing from where she stood, trying to catch her breath, when out of nowhere, Skyler, Chris, and Darren surprise attacked her.
What does it take to hold you,
When I'm here without you?
Picking her up by her waist and throwing her over his shoulder, Skyler began running around the perimeter of the battlegrounds, Chris and Darren pelting her with tiny snowballs.
I don't know where to start.
I've gotta find you and your heart
The trio didn't get too far before Chad came to the rescue, James tagging along. Once she was back on her feet, Sonny crossed her arms and look at her kidnappers who waved innocently and sprinted away.
Before it falls apart.
Turning to her rescuers, she smiled and hugged each, kissing them on the cheek before flouncing off to find her best friend.
I'm finding words to say before it falls apart.
Before it falls apart.
Both boys stared after her when the two little six year old girls approached them, breaking them out of the daze with snowballs to the face.
The fleeing girls giggled as the peeked over their shoulders at the two boys chasing after them.
For the next half hour, the war continued before everyone decided it was time to head back to the apartment.
"Dude, that's total bull! I have all the sevens!" Rider grinned deviously at Chase.
"Damn it, Rider! Screw you," Chase exclaimed exasperatedly, coughing as he took the pile of cards.
"Two eights," Mark bluffed as he slid two cards to the center of the circle.
"I think I'm going to call bullshit on that one, man," Cory laughed as Dianna and Lea simultaneously shouted, "BS, Mark! BS."
"Ooh, look at all these cards I have to take now," he grinned sarcastically as he took back his two cards.
Elsewhere in the apartment, the majority of the teens and young adults sat on the floor playing Pictionary.
"What in the world is that?" Audrey asked doubling over in laughter.
"Is it a frisbee?" Kevin wondered.
"No, it's clearly a spaceship!" Zora stated.
"It looks like a ball of yarn," the Irish singer suggested.
"…It's a bicycle," Grady answered once their time had run out.
"…Oh," they chorused.
In the princess playroom, the three youngest girls were having a tea party with their magical guests.
"Of course you may have more tea, Harry the Unicorn!" Caleigh chirped, tipping the empty teapot to pour the imaginary beverage for her imaginary friend.
Gasping, Kari shook her finger at the empty chair across the table and scolded, "Where are your manners, Hephaestus the Hippogriff?"
Sighing dramatically, Lexi lay on the floor looking bored.
Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted their tea party.
"Who is it?" Caleigh called.
"Demetri. Can I come in for a second?"
"Come in!" Kari yelled.
"Hey, girls. Just wanted to let you know that Dakota's coming over. Mom said she got a call from Mr. Condor asking if she could visit you. She told him that you were here, so now he's talking to Ms. Marin. Just wanted to let you know," he informed them.
"Dakota's coming? Yes!" Lexi shot up, pumping her fist in the air.
Laughing, her older brother nodded, "Yeah. She'll be here soon," before closing the door and heading back to the living room.
Down the hall and in the room that the two chaperones shared, Sonny sat on one of the beds, talking with her mother who was reorganizing her luggage.
"So… You and Mr. Carson seemed to be getting along quite well at dinner," the brunette pointed out.
"Chandler? Well, as a matter of fact, yes we were. Now, what are you getting at?" her mother rolled her eyes.
"You so like him," she grinned innocently.
Standing upright and putting a hand on her hip, Connie stated, "It is a sad day when two adults can't enjoy each other's company at a New Year's Eve dinner."
After a short silence, Sonny continued, "But you so like him."
Sighing, Connie sat next to her daughter and admitted, "Maybe just a little."
"I knew it! This is great!" she laughed, hugging her. "And Hannah likes his brother, too. Right? Oh gosh, this is so exciting!"
"Whoa, hold your horses there. Yes, I believe Hannah does seem to like Charles. And as for me and Chandler, we've only really talked for two evenings," the brunette woman reminded her as she returned to packing.
"And that means I can't be excited?"
"It just means… Don't hold your breath," Connie shrugged.
"Oh, mom. I'm sure he likes you too. Or he will if he doesn't already. Just keep talking to him!" the teen advised.
"We'll see… Well, enough about me. What about you? Is there anyone in particular that you have your eye on?" she grinned deviously.
"Mom!" Sonny blushed.
"Hmm? I take it that's a yes?"
Rolling her eyes good-naturedly, the brown eyed girl answered, "It's complicated."
"Oh? How so?" her mother inquired, sitting next to her daughter on the bed.
"Well… I kind of like this one guy, but he told me that he likes another girl. And now there's this other guy… And I don't know whether I like him or not," she sighed.
"Ah, well… Neither of them knows that you like him, right? You've got some time to decide," Connie replied reassuringly as she walked across the room to continue her packing.
"Not really," Sonny muttered under her breath as she lay back on the bed.
Meanwhile, back in the living room, Skyler and Darren caught each other's eye and nodded in unison.
Standing up next to the fireplace column, the taller boy announced, "Hey, guys. Darren and I are going to surprise Sonny and take her to the Gershwin Theater."
"Oh, like in the NYC episode of Glee?" Cassie piped up.
"Exactly!" Darren nodded, grinning excitedly.
"Well, that explains why you were on the phone with Ryan yesterday! He actually helped you get permission?" Lea smiled.
"Yep! Anyone wanna come with us?" he asked.
"I'll come," the blue eyed blonde smiled.
"I'll go too," Demetri shrugged.
Catching his best friend's eye, Chad answered, "I guess I will."
Penelope, not wanting to pass up a chance to keep Sonny away from Chad, shot James a look that said, "You'd better go."
"Yeah, I will," the brunet nodded.
"Great! Be ready in five minutes," the hazel eyed musician concluded. "Oh! And also, Mr. Condor's daughter is coming, so we'd all better keep an eye on her tonight."
"Yeah, he'll annihilate us all if anything happens to her," Matthew nodded.
Turning on his heel, Skyler walked briskly down the hall in search of the perky brunette Random. He paused just after he passed the room with the open door and then backtracked a few steps.
"Sonny?" he asked softly.
Sitting up and running a hand through her hair, she replied, "Oh. Hey, Sky."
"Did you find her yet—Oh! Hiya, Sonn-ay!" Darren grinned as he peered into the doorway.
"Hiya, Darren," she smiled warmly.
"Darr' and I have a surprise for you," the dramatic actor grinned mysteriously.
"What is it?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow questioningly.
"Meet us at the elevator in five minutes," the shorter actor replied, sounding equally mysterious.
And with that, the boys strolled back down the hall, leaving her sitting on the bed with a confused look on her face.
"Can I open my eyes yet?" Sonny whined, grasping onto Darren's and Skyler's hands to keep her balance.
"Not yet, Sonny. We're almost there," the green eyed actor grinned, stopping once they were standing in the center of the stage.
"You guys made me keep my eyes closed for half of the ride!"
"Yeah, but if we hadn't, you'd know what the surprise was!" Darren laughed.
With a small smile, she sighed, "You guys are crazy."
"You know it," Skyler agreed, letting go of her hand to run offstage and lift the curtain.
"And don't you forget it," his boyfriend reminded her.
Laughing under her breath, the brunette opened her mouth to ask once more when Skyler shouted from the wings as he began to raise the curtain, "Yes, Sonny. You can open your eyes now."
Opening her eyes, she watched the think velvet red curtain rise, letting light flood the stage.
"Oh… My… Gosh!" she exclaimed, laughing excitedly.
Joining Darren back on the stage as Sonny turned around to take in her surroundings, Skyler smiled, "We thought you might like to see what it's like to be on a real Broadway stage before going back to California."
"You guys are the best," she cried, tackle-hugging each of them tightly.
"Well, the stage is yours, Miss Munroe," Darren mock bowed. "What would you like to sing?"
"Oh! Well, uh… Since this appears to be the Gershwin Theater…" she began, glancing around.
"Right you are," Skyler nodded proudly.
"Something from Wicked… Oh, I know one," she decided.
After she whispered her song selection, the boys rushed off to the wings and started up the music.
Recognizing the song, the lighting crew up in the booth changed the settings until one single spotlight shone down on the brunette.
Sitting front and center were Demetri, Cassie, Chad, and James, eagerly waiting to hear her sing.
"Oh," Cassie whispered almost inaudibly. "I love this one."
Glancing over at her, Demetri rested his arm next to hers and the returned his attention to the stage.
Hands touch, eyes meet.
Sudden silence, sudden heat.
Immediately, the brunette remembered the very first encounter she had with the arrogant blond. She was instantly starstruck by him.
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl.
Of course, he hadn't the slightest idea who she was at first, but that didn't stop her from falling for him.
He could be that boy,
But I'm not that girl.
As Sonny sang those lines, her gaze unnoticeably flickered to him and then back to the empty seats around her friends.
Don't dream too far.
Don't lose sight of who you are.
The first time she had gone out with James, they had hit it off pretty well. She thought that their relationship might actually go somewhere. That is, until he dumped her for Tawni.
Don't remember that rush of joy.
But that one date brought her a kind of happiness that she had not had for a long time. Now, after he had kissed her, she felt even more confused.
He could be that boy.
I'm not that girl.
Glancing quickly at the blue eyed actor next to him, James wondered what he was thinking as he watched Sonny up on the stage.
Every so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been.
Was this song causing him to fall even harder for her? Was he formulating a plan to win her affections?
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in.
Was he wondering what it would be like to lose a girl that never even belonged to him?
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him.
Inwardly sighing, Sonny wondered who that Samantha girl was.
Gold hair with a gentle curl,
That's the girl he chose…
She had seemed pretty nice when they had met, but Sonny wondered why she had made such a huge impression on Chad in just one night.
And Heaven knows
I'm not that girl
"Her voice is so amazing," Cassie murmured softly.
"Yeah…" her brother concurred, speaking just loud enough for them to hear.
The brunet fixed his gaze on the beautiful girl with a solemn look on her face as she continued singing the somber song.
Don't wish, don't start.
Wishing only wounds the heart.
Letting her hair cover her face for a moment, Sonny held back her song-atmosphere induced tears and took a deep breath.
I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl.
Lifting her head, she looked out at the empty seats, singing the very last notes to the imaginary crowd.
There's a girl I know…
He loves her so…
I'm not that girl...
As the song concluded, the four members in the audience and the two backstage all applauded for her.
Walking back out onto the stage, Skyler was the first to give her a great big hug.
"That was amazing, Sonny," he smiled sincerely.
"Absolutely breathtaking," Darren nodded, holding his arms out for her.
"Thanks, guys," she grinned, hugging him.
"Would you mind if I shared this amazingly breathtaking performance with the internet later?" he asked.
"How—" she began, cutting herself off when Darren held up a small digital camera.
"Caught it all from the wings," he smiled.
"Oh. Well, go ahead if you'd like," she laughed softly.
"Sonny, you were incredible!" Cassie shouted as she approached the stage with Demetri and her brother.
"Definitely," James nodded in agreement following them.
"You've got a really great voice," Demetri added with a shy smile.
Still unable to speak, Chad simply nodded at Demetri's statement.
"Thanks, you guys," she smiled.
"Well, would you like to sing more, or do you want to start heading back for the countdown?" the tallest actor asked.
Shrugging, she answered, "Doesn't matter to me. It's up to you."
"I'd like to sing one if there's time," Cassie said sheepishly.
"I think there's time for one more," the hazel eyed hobbit grinned, as they all returned to their positions.
"Skyler just texted me. He said they'll meet us in Times Square," Rider announced as he stood up from the kitchen table.
"I guess we'd all better get ready to go then," Dianna suggested.
"Right," Chase nodded, turning away as he coughed, heading back to the boys' room.
Ten minutes later, everyone gathered in front of the elevator doors. Everyone, except a certain dark haired genius.
"Has anyone seen Chase?" Rider asked, looking around.
"Last I saw him, he was heading to one of the bedrooms," Jenna answered.
The green-gray eyed actor strode down the hall to the room they shared and burst in impatiently. He paused in the doorway when he saw his friend passed out on his bed. On the table across the room, Rider spotted a bottle of cough syrup. Picking it up, he skimmed the side effects until he found "drowsiness."
"Oh, Chase," he murmured, setting the bottle back down.
Returning to the bed, he carefully removed his friend's thick jacket and placed it on a chair. Once the sleeping actor was tucked in, Rider placed the dark rimmed glasses on the bedside table and slipped out of the room.
Once he approached the large mob in the front hall, Rider announced, "You guys go on ahead."
"What? Why?" Heather asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Nah. Chase just took some medicine for his cough and fell asleep. I'm just gonna stay here with him."
"Are you sure you don't want us to stay?" Hannah offered with a look of concern.
"Don't be ridiculous, we'll be fine here. We can see the whole thing from the room anyways," he explained.
"Alright, but if you need help with anything, feel free to call one of us," Connie advised.
"Right," he nodded, waving them away. "Now go."
As he ushered them out, group by group, Tawni realized that she had left her phone in the home spa room.
"I'll be back in a sec," she assured her friends.
"Oh, I'll come with you," Penelope said, following behind with Portlyn.
Once they were inside, she shut the door and stood directly in front of it.
As the blonde searched, she asked, "Do you see my phone anywhere?"
"I know you know," Penelope replied, ignoring the question.
Unfazed by the statement, she continued looking, "You know I know what?"
Rolling her eyes, the brunette stated, "You know what I know you know."
"What does who know?" Portlyn questioned confusedly.
"Shut up, Portlyn," she spat back. "I know you know about the plan James and I made."
"How do you know I know?" Tawni narrowed her eyes, placing her hands on her hips.
"You and the Mack Falls boys don't exactly have the quietest discussions. I'm surprised Sonny hasn't figured it out."
"Well then, yeah. I know. What are you going to do about it?" the blonde instigated, crossing her arms.
"Oh, I don't know… Just this," she smiled mischievously.
Within a few seconds, she had restrained the blonde diva against a lawn chair.
"Portlyn! The rope!" she nearly yelled, remembering Rider was still in the apartment.
"Oh, yeah!" the dark haired airhead remembered, pulling a coil of rope out from behind a potted plant and tossing it to Penelope.
"Why are you tying me up?" the blonde inquired.
"You're Sonny's best friend. She'll probably go to you for advice before anyone else. You'd probably tell her to go for Chad. But now when she asks for help, you'll tell her to choose James," Penelope explained, holding up Tawni's pink bedazzled cell phone.
When the rope and gag were tied, the two girls headed for the door.
Just then, Tawni's phone vibrated in Penelope's hand.
"Decision making time. What do you think I should do, Tawn?"
"Oh, well would you look at that! A text from Sonny," the brunette grinned devilishly.
"You're not going to get away with this, Penelope," Tawni growled through the cloth.
The sly actress stood in the doorway and looked back over her shoulder.
"Just watch me."
When the seven Broadway goers reached Times Square, each grinned with excitement.
"Wow. Times Square looks even more beautiful at night," the younger Cooper remarked, listening to the music pulsating in the background.
"Especially on New Year's," her blue-green eyed companion nodded.
"Oh look! There's everyone else," Darren pointed out, waving to them.
As they made their way towards them, James looked around and spotted who he was looking for.
"Hey, I think I left my camera upstairs in the apartment," he whispered to Sonny, nudging her arm lightly.
"Oh, alright. I'll go with you," she replied, tapping Skyler on the shoulder.
"We're gonna run upstairs really quick," she told him.
Blinking a few times, he replied, "Okay. But you'd better hurry."
"Will do," she nodded, leading the way to the complex's front door.
Following behind for a few steps, Chad asked, "Don't you need the key to get in? I'll come with you."
"No, I've got one, so you can stay here," Sonny answered, shaking her head. "Thanks though, Chad."
"Right. No problem," he mumbled, returning to where his best friend stood.
Just after he rejoined the main cluster, a group of large men in black suits approached them.
"Are you the Condor and Fox kids?" the one in front asked.
"Yeah… Who are you?" the blond spoke up.
"We're your bodyguards for the night," another answered. "Your bosses sent us."
"Oh. Well, alright," the young adults shrugged.
"My daddy sent you?" Dakota folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You don't look like the normal guards he hired.
"He sent us to make sure you're all extra protected tonight since it's New Year's Eve."
She scrutinized his expression for a few moments before shrugging, "Okay, I guess," and returning to her game of I Spy with her friends.
"Now, is everyone here?" a third inquired.
"No," Skyler shook his head. "Rider and Chase are staying in for the night and Sonny and James went up to get his camera. They'll be back soon."
Snapping his fingers, the head bodyguard gestured for the scrawniest of the crew to stand by the door to escort them back.
In the center of the sea of actors and actresses where Zora and Audrey stood, the brunette girl's phone began to buzz. Pulling it out to see what the cause was, she received a message from her spy networking gear.
"Audrey," she whispered, elbowing her in the ribs. "Listen to this. Something is setting off the microphone we planted in the home spa."
Holding the phone between both of their heads, she played the audio recording just loud enough for them to hear.
"Is that Tawni?" the blonde asked bewilderedly.
"I think so. I knew something was up when Penelope said Tawni wasn't feeling good. Tawni never gets sick! She fakes it a lot, but…" she muttered back.
"What should we do?"
"Uh… Luke!" the girl genius called, making her way towards him.
"Can you text Rider and tell him to check the spa room to see if Tawni's in there? We're getting worried," her best friend requested softly.
"Yeah, sure," he nodded, taking out his phone.
"Thanks!" the girls chorused, returning to their spots.
"They've been up there for a while…" Chad mumbled to himself.
"If you're so worried, you should go up there then," Skyler rolled his eyes.
"Fine, I will," he retorted, heading towards the doors.
"Whoa, wait just a minute. Where are you going?" one of the bodyguards intervened.
"I want to go check on them upstairs," he replied, raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry, can't let you do that. Bosses' orders."
Sighing, he turned around muttering obscenities under his breath.
"I thought you were going upstairs," the green eyed actor commented.
"Not allowed. Against orders or something," he shrugged.
"He's not answering his phone," Luke told the two girl geniuses.
"Who's not?" the taller blond questioned.
"Rider. And we think Tawni's locked in the spa room upstairs," Zora whispered, glancing around to make sure Penelope wasn't listening.
"Something definitely isn't right," he frowned. "No one's allowed upstairs though."
"Try again in five minutes, we'll round up some help. Oh! And go tell Skyler to keep Penelope and Portlyn distracted," Audrey commanded, slipping away.
"Right," her best friend nodded, heading in the other direction.
The two boys looked at each other and shrugged.
"Hey, guys," Zora greeted the Randoms.
"Heyo! S'up Zora?" Nico smiled.
"I need you guys to distract the bodyguards in five minutes, so Chad can get upstairs," she stated bluntly.
Before they could inquire why, she blurted, "If you want to help Sonny and Chad get their sorry butts together, you have to help."
When they stared back at the small girl she corrected herself, "Not like that, you beanheads! Are you with me or not?"
Shayne spoke up as the others shrugged and nodded, "Yeah, anything for Sonny."
"Great. Four minutes," she reminded them, disappearing to join her friend.
Passing by Skyler, Zora heard Chad restate, "Yeah. So keep them busy at least until I get inside the building."
Reaching her friend, she caught the end of her mini spiel.
"I don't know how well our friends will handle the bodyguards, so if you see them struggling, could you help them out?"
"Sure, no problem," Cory nodded.
"Let us know if you need someone to kick Conroy's ass," Mark added. "Darren kind of let us in on what was going on."
Grinning, Zora laughed, "Perfect. Thanks, guys!" before returning to their spot in the crowd.
Exactly three minutes later, the Random boys each headed to their posts and began distracting the guards with their bizarre methods of dancing, magic tricks, and bad impressions.
Smacking her forehead, Zora shook her head, "At least they're trying, I guess…"
"Yeah," Audrey agreed, signaling Chad to go inside.
The blond discreetly strode toward the door and reached for the handle when the guard stopped him.
"Y-you're not allowed inside," he stammered. "Sorry…"
"Look, buddy, this is kind of urgent. I need to go check on my friends upstairs," he stated, his blue eyes beginning to look dark and stormy.
"I—" he began.
"Is there a problem here?" Logan asked from behind the blond, folding his arms.
With him were Luke and the Glee boys, looking equally as menacing, mostly because even Luke was taller than the guard.
"Nope. No problem here," Chad replied, pulling the door open and leaving the nervous bodyguard behind.
Immediately, he ran across the first floor lobby and rapidly pushed the elevator call button. Once inside, he slid his card key through the slot and the doors closed, lifting him to the correct floor.
Stepping out, he called, "Rider?"
"Chad? What are you doing here?" he asked, peeking around the fireplace from his spot on the couch.
"Why didn't you answer your phone? Where's Blondie? Did Sonny and James come up here?" he interrogated.
"Whoa, slow down. My phone is in the room and I didn't want to risk waking up Chase. I thought Tawni was outside with you guys, and yes, Sonny and James were up here but they left a few minutes ago," Rider answered, raising an eyebrow. "What's going on with you?"
"Long story," he shouted, briskly walking towards the spa room, his friend following behind.
"Yeah? Then talk," he demanded.
"The freaky genius twin Randoms said they think Blondie's locked in here, and I don't like the fact that Sonny is alone with James somewhere," he revealed, twisting the doorknob.
"Damn it! It's locked," he sputtered.
"Go look for a bobby pin in the girl's room or just something sharp," Rider commanded, taking over.
A few moments later, he returned with a brown bobby pin and a metal nail file.
"Perfect," the red-brown haired actor nodded.
Within thirty seconds, the door was open.
"How—"
"Melody's locked herself in her room by accident many times when she was little."
A cry of surprise from across the room turned both of their heads.
Racing over to her, they untied the gag so she could speak.
"Took you guys long enough!" she gasped.
"You're welcome, Blondie," Chad rolled his eyes, attempting to untie her wrists.
"Who tied you up in here?" Rider asked as he filed at the rope around her ankles.
"Penelope, obviously."
"Well, you're feel free to do what you'd like to her," Chad told her. "Now, I just have to find Sonny and Conroy."
"Oh, they're on the roof. Penelope left a walkie talkie monitor thing in here and has it set up to a microphone or something. I think there's one on her jacket and on James' too," Tawni divulged, rubbing her wrists.
Immediately, Chad took off and ran towards the elevator.
"What exactly did you hear them say at the elevator?" Rider wondered.
"Something about Darren and Skyler not being the only ones with a surprise for her," she shrugged.
"But how do you know they're on the roof?"
"They're not down there with everyone else, are they?"
"Touché," he nodded, returning to the living room.
"How do you get to the roof?" Chad shouted to no one in particular.
"Well, there's a keypad in the elevator. Maybe you need a special code?" Rider suggested.
"Yeah, but what—Tawni!"
"What do you want?" she grumbled.
"Text someone to ask Dakota if she knows the elevator code to get onto the roof," the blond commanded.
Rolling her eyes, she did so. Within the minute, she was sent a reply.
"Spell Dakota using the letters on the number pad," she read to the frantic actor.
"Yes!" he shouted as the doors closed.
Heading back to her room, the irritated blonde diva retrieved her purse and waited for the elevator to come back and take her down to her friends outside in Times Square.
Sitting down on the couch in the living room, Rider checked the time on the TV and noticed that it was ten minutes until midnight.
Jumping up from his seat once more, he sprinted down the hall to the music room and picked up an acoustic guitar.
Quietly, he began strumming the tune and walked towards the room where his best friend was sleeping.
Pushing the door open with his foot, he began to sing.
Are you lonesome tonight?
Did you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
At the sound of his voice, Chase began to stir slightly, coming back to consciousness.
Does your memory stray
To that bright summer day,
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
His eyes fluttered open for a moment as he rolled over and reached for his glasses, fumbling to put them on.
Do the chairs in your parlor
Feel empty and bare?
Propping himself up on his elbows, the disoriented actor watched as the musician walked across the room and stood next to the bed.
Do you gaze at your doorstep
And picture me there?
Almost smirking, Rider continued to sing, relishing in the fact that he had the genius entranced.
Is your heart still in pain?
Will I come back again?
Slowing down the song just a bit as it approached the conclusion, he took a seat on the edge of the bed.
Tell me, dear, are you lonesome tonight?
Readjusting his glasses, the genius sighed, "You're an idiot, you know."
"That's a fine way to thank the person who stayed behind to take care of you," Rider smiled, leaning the guitar against the other bed.
"That's exactly it. Why didn't you just go? You've been talking about going to Times Square all day," Chase mumbled into his pillow, coughing a few times.
"Because I didn't want to leave you up here by yourself on New Year's Eve," he shrugged. "Sorry for waking you, by the way. I just didn't think you'd want to miss the New Year's countdown."
Moving over to make room for his friend, Chase shook his head, "It's quite alright."
Silently, Rider picked up the TV remote and turned it to the channel he had been watching before and the pair watched the excitement building in Times Square.
Five minutes 'til midnight…
Stepping out of the elevator, Chad's heart sank. The highest it could go up was a few floors below the roof and the doorway to the staircase was locked. Several doors were placed before him. Like a labyrinth, he would have to find his way to his destination, and then back to the exit.
A certain song ran through his mind like adrenaline as he raced through rooms and flung open doors in search of one that lead to the roof.
The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting.
Could it be that we have been this way before?
Up on the roof, Sonny wandered around, carefully looking over the edges to see the beautiful city below.
"Spectacular, isn't it?" James smiled softly, watching the huge mass of New Yorkers.
"Absolutely," she sighed.
I know you don't think that I am trying.
I know you're wearing thin down to the core.
Reaching a dead end, Chad groaned, "Damn it!" and spun around, going back the way he had come.
But hold your breath,
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again.
The pair stood over the edge and observed the final performer onstage as the crowd hyperactively sang along.
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day,
I swear it's true.
Ever so subtly, James slowly inched closer to the brunette since she was caught up in the music.
Because a girl like you is impossible to find.
You're impossible to find.
Pausing to catch his breath, Chad stared at the four doors before him. In his eyes, they almost seemed to mock him.
"Choose the wrong one and you'll miss your chance," they seemed to say.
This is not what I intended.
I always swore to you I'd never fall apart.
Wiping his sweaty brow with his sleeve, the blond closed his eyes to keep the tears from coming. Chad Dylan Cooper didn't cry. Crying meant giving up. Chad Dylan Cooper didn't give up.
You always thought that I was stronger.
I may have failed, but I have loved you from the start.
Taking a deep breath and clearing his mind, he opened his eyes and pushed the third door open, continuing on his mission.
But hold your breath,
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again.
When the final performance ended, the couple on the rooftop smiled at each other as the light snowfall turned into a flurry.
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day,
I swear it's true.
Gazing affectionately at the brunette, James whispered, "Sonny…"
"Yeah, James?" she asked, turning her head to face him.
Because a girl like you is impossible to find.
It's impossible…
"There's something I want to tell you…"
Three minutes…
Outside, Times Square was roaring with the sound of several thousand voices chanting in unison.
As the two sophomores gazed intently at the lighted ball slowly descending, they participated in the countdown.
So breathe in so deep.
Breathe me in.
I'm yours to keep.
Trailing off, the smile left the older boy's face as he nudged her arm and whispered, "Cassie… I have to tell you something."
And hold onto your words
'Cause talk is cheap.
Taking his hand, her eyes were still locked on the scene before her.
And remember me tonight
When you're asleep.
He turned his head to look at her, not quite looking her in the eyes, "Listen… I really like you a lot…"
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again.
"Same to you," she smiled softly, looking up at him.
Don't make me change my mind
Or I won't live to see another day,
I swear it's true.
"But I can't do this…" he said in a soft voice.
"What? I don't understand," Cassie her smile faltering slightly.
Because a girl like you is impossible to find.
"I have a girlfriend… But before you say anything, let me explain," he confessed.
Letting go of his hand, she backed away slowly and joined the two Random girls, leaving him staring after her.
"Sixty… Fifty-nine… Fifty-eight…"
Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you
Over again.
Finally finding the staircase, Chad used what was left of his strength to climb it to the rooftop.
Don't make me change my mind
"I really like you, Sonny…" the brunet confessed. "And I would love it if you'd be my girlfriend…"
Smiling softly, she added, "Yeah… I kind of got that impression when you kissed me yesterday."
"Yeah… Anyways… Like I said, I would love that, but I don't want that to happen this way."
Or I won't live to see another day,
"What way?" she tilted her head questioningly.
I swear it's true.
"The truth is, Penelope and I were kind of deceiving you this whole time and—"
"I know, James," she interrupted softly.
"—I'm really sorry and—Wait. You know?" he repeated in a surprised tone.
Nodding, she explained, "I didn't say anything because I made it part of your test. If you told me, you pass. If you didn't…"
"Oh," he nodded understandingly. "So… Does this mean—"
Because a girl like you is impossible to find.
You're impossible to find.
Just then, an exhausted, irritated blond burst onto the roof and shouted, "Sonny, wait!"
"Chad?" she called back, turning around to face him.
Gasping for air as he walked towards her, he blurted, "I have a confession to make, Sonny."
Stopping right in front of her, he let his thoughts flow freely.
"I like you, Sonny. I really mean it and I think I always have. I'm sorry I've been so rude to you. I didn't mean all those stupid comments I made before. And also, I'm sorry for lying and saying I like that Samantha girl, I barely know her and she has a boyfriend. I was just nervous and—"
Letting him ramble on for a little bit longer, she glanced at James who whispered, "I wouldn't blame you if you chose him…"
"Can we still be friends?" she asked, smiling apologetically.
"We'll see," he smiled mysteriously, heading back inside.
"Shut up for a second, Chad," she commanded, holding back a smile as she put a finger to his lips. "Time for talking is over because…"
"Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!"
"Because I like you too," she admitted.
Just before the deafening roar of cheers from down below, the blond leaned down and instinctively kissed the brunette, sending tingles down their spines as the first brilliant sparks of the New Year flew through the air.
Down in Times Square, the moment the clock struck twelve, hoots and hollers cut through the air, waking anyone who had managed to fall asleep within a three mile radius of New York City.
Grinning down at the platinum blond, the auburn haired actor clasped the younger boy's hand, holding it tightly.
Next to them, the three mischievous girls jumped up and down shouting happily in the faces of the Random boys.
Behind them were Darren and Skyler who were sharing their very first kiss of the New Year.
All throughout the eastern time zone, parents hugged their children, teenagers kissed their boyfriend or girlfriend, and the rest simply stood in awe of the spectacular lights.
Up in the condominium at the stroke of midnight, Rider took Chase's hand and leaned down, softly pressing his lips to the gray eyed boy's.
Pulling away, he smiled, "Happy New Year, Alteau."
Regaining his composure, Chase faintly smiled back, "Happy New Year, Kingston."
Meeting them in the street as the crowd began to clear out, James approached the rest of the group.
"So…?" Penelope grinned hopefully. "How'd it go?"
"I'm done doing your dirty work, Penelope," he smiled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.
"It means he's done doing your laundry, duh!" Portlyn piped up.
"…No. It means I told her the truth."
"You idiot! You've ruined everything," she yelled, causing the heads of his companions to turn and face her.
"No, I made things right. What we were going to do was wrong, Penelope. I want her to be happy," he retorted, reinforcing his stance.
"She could've been happy with you!"
"But she'll be happier with him!"
Impulsively, she shoved the brunet and made her way towards the Windsor building.
Blocking the doorway, the small bodyguard stood in her way.
"Move it, Steven," she snarled, ready to step around him.
Catching her arms, Harry and Mark restrained her.
Stepping forward, Steven signaled to the other guards to take her from them.
Patting James on the back, the group reassured him that he had done the right thing.
"Sorry about her," he apologized when she was gone. "My sister's a little cuckoo sometimes. Don't worry, it doesn't run in the family."
"Who are you?" Logan asked.
"I'm Steven Balitico. Penelope's brother. Our dad runs a bodyguard agency, which is why I'm here. He was worried when she asked if he could let her borrow some of his employees, so sent me to keep an eye on her," the scrawny boy explained.
"Oh. Well, thanks, man!" Skyler smiled, slapping him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him down.
"Where are they taking her?" Cassie wondered out loud.
"She'll be on the next flight to LA, courtesy of Balitico Security Agency," Steven reassured. "I'll send some guys up to get her stuff in a little bit."
"Great. Thanks, Steven!" Logan smiled appreciatively as the guards followed the small brunet boy.
"Well, I guess we'd better get going," Kevin sighed, checking his phone.
"We'll probably see you guys later through Darren's Oovoo conversations with Skyler," Naya smirked devilishly.
"But if not, I guess we'll see you all back in California," Amber finished with a light laugh.
"See you!" they all chorused as the groups departed.
"I'll call you tomorrow," Darren grinned to his boyfriend, kissing him on the cheek.
"Sounds good," Skyler grinned back, heading inside with his friends.
"Cassie, wait up a sec," Demetri called, glancing back at his father and sisters who were waiting at their car nearby.
"Whatever you have to say, I honestly don't really want to hear it," she sighed.
"Please, just give me one minute…"
"…Clock's ticking," she gave in, turning around to face him.
"Here's the full story. Before the holiday break, I knew I wanted to break up with my girlfriend. I just wasn't really feeling it anymore. But I didn't want to end it before or over the vacation, because I wasn't sure how she would react. I didn't want to ruin her break," he explained, pausing to take a breath.
"And then I met you at FAO Schwarz. You lost that charm on your bracelet and I thought I'd never see you again. But then we met up at Condor's party. It was a sign. I know it was. I would have kissed you tonight, but that would make me a cheater. I don't want to do that to her or to you," he told her with a sincerely sorry look in his eyes. "As soon as school starts back up, I'm breaking up with her. I've been telling myself that since the before beginning of vacation."
"By then, I'll be back in California. And from what I've heard, long distance relationships never end well," she said softly, looking him in the eye.
"I'll be in LA over the summer. Could we start over then?"
"I don't know…"
"Well… Until then, could we try being friends?" he asked, his eyes bright with hope.
"…Your minute is up, Demetri," she answered, turning away and walking towards the door.
Shoulders drooping, his bright blue-green eyes dimmed a little as he began walking towards the car.
Pausing, the blonde called over her shoulder, "…I'll think about it, alright?"
Looking back at her, he nodded and then got into the passenger seat.
Standing in the doorway, Cassie watched as the Carsons drove away.
Still up on the rooftop, the duo sat on a wooden crate together, huddled for warmth, watching the spectators trailing off like an army of ants.
"So… What were you and Conroy doing up here before I got here?" the blond asked quietly.
"We were watching the performers sing and the people go crazy," the brunette smiled, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Yeah? But what were you talking about the moment before I interrupted you two?"
"He was telling me the truth."
"The truth… About how he likes you?"
"Yes. And about how he and Penelope planned to trick me into falling for him," she stated firmly.
"What did you say to him?" Chad prompted her, stroking her hand with his thumb.
"I told him I already knew," Sonny shrugged.
"You knew?" he repeated, gaping at her.
"Why is that such a big surprise? I'm not that oblivious, y'know. You guys have got to get a better method for discussion, because hiding out in that room and trying to be quiet is not working out for you," she laughed.
"Huh. Chase and Skyler were right. I am the oblivious squid…Whatever that is," he sighed with a small smile.
When she burst out laughing at his statement, he asked, "Wait… You know what that means? Please tell me because I'm totally lost!"
Standing up and holding out her hand to help him up, she explained, "It's a Dalton thing. All you need to know is that there's this character that was totally oblivious to the fact that his best friend was in love with him for three years."
"Wow… But why a squid?" Chad asked confusedly, taking her hand and getting up.
Shrugging, she straightened his jacket and replied, "Who knows?"
"Am I like him?" he smiled, squeezing her hand gently.
"Yes and no. It's insanely complicated," she laughed softly.
"But tell me… Does he ever ask out the best friend?"
"He hasn't yet."
"Well, here's at least one different about us," he grinned, turning to face her.
"Sonny Munroe… Will you go out with me?"
Laughing under her breath and smiling affectionately, she whispered a simple, "Yes."
A/N: Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it so much. Don't forget to check back every once in a while to see if I've posted the epilogue. Also, let me know what you thought of the whole story in general. Thanks!