A/N: Yay I'm glad I got some feedback on this! It is very much appreciated. Anyway, read away…
December 31, 2013
Katie felt Marisol match her steps as they walked up the park to get a better view of the Golden Gate Bridge. They watched as Jake and Mo walked up ahead, laughing over something inaudible. The weather was a bit gloomy with patches of blue showing through and they hoped it would clear up so they could see the landmark in all of its glory.
"So you and Jake have been acting pretty cozy since yesterday," Marisol kept her voice low.
"We've been on good terms since we've graduated," she replied.
Marisol eyed her best friend, "Oookay."
"This is it! Right here," Mo yelled out loud with his arms stretched out, "Babe, get the camera."
She took the camera out of her bag and handed it over. Mo instantly started taking photos of Jake and himself, holding the camera awkwardly. Marisol rolled her eyes and grabbed the camera, taking a proper picture of the best friends.
"Jake, could you take a few pictures of us?" the two of them switched positions.
After a few shots, Marisol motioned Katie to come over, "Why don't you and Jake take a few pictures together?"
Katie glared at her but complied. They situated themselves in front of the camera and Marisol smiled at her accomplishment. Jake rested an arm on Katie's shoulders and they instantly fell into a comfortable pattern, taking on various poses. The group spent at least an hour at the Golden Gate Bridge before grabbing lunch and heading to the hotel.
Mo took out the baggie and they all stared at him wide eyed.
Jake spoke first, "How did you get that?"
"From some guy while Marisol and Katie were shopping" he said.
Marisol groaned, "Ugh, you should not be left alone."
"Come on babe," Mo sat next to her, "It's New Year's Eve and we're in San Francisco. Let's have fun."
She rolled her eyes but allowed it, "Well since we can't drink… I guess this will do."
"Mare, the last time you tried weed, you became paranoid," Katie remembered.
"Well we're not near any creepy cabins," she pointed out.
Katie hesitated as she watched Mo get set up. Jake approached her and lightly touched her back.
"You don't have to join us," his tone was assuring, "I'm sure the party is going to be fun."
She thought it over, "Well we did pay a good amount to attend and there will be a buffet there…"
"Is Katie Matlin letting her hair down?" Marisol smiled.
Jake let out a laugh and the two sat around the table.
The four of them were in awe when they entered the ballroom – lights adorned the ceilings and tables with New Year decorations pinned to the wall. Their eyes immediately went to the buffet tables and they didn't hesitate to fall in line. Marisol tried to suppress a giggle as Mo added extra food on her plate. Katie bit her lip as she tried to control her laughter while Jake occasionally bumped into her.
"This food is amazing," Jake said with a mouthful.
"Mhmm," Mo mimicked his actions.
Marisol tried to be delicate with her eating, "This really is good, though."
Katie kept her head down, "Are you sure no one will get suspicious."
Jake looked around, "I'm pretty sure we're not the only ones high here."
She tried to act inconspicuous and continued to eat her food. They met some of the guests staying in the hotel and realized Jake was right – they weren't the only ones who were high.
The DJ started the music and almost everyone got on the dance floor. They stuck with a big group and danced, waiting for midnight to strike. At some point they all separated – Mo and Marisol stuck together and eventually disappeared; Jake tried to hoard any dessert he could find; a few guys asked Katie to dance which she was selective in choosing.
Katie found Jake and sat down next to him, feeling flushed. Jake smirked, "You're quite popular."
"This is nice," she smiled, "But I'm thinking of switching to flats."
"Let's go back to the room," he got up and offered his arm.
The elevator ride was quiet but they didn't mind. They kept their arms linked and remained close as they walked.
"It was nice of you to join Marisol and Mo on this trip," she said.
"I'm glad I did," he smiled, "You were right, San Francisco is pretty great."
She looked at him, "If you come here next year, you'll have at least one friend."
Katie was now leaning on the wall near their door with Jake hovering over her. She absentmindedly played with his shirt as his hand moved from the wall to her arm. She tried to be subtle as she straightened her posture and Jake found himself moving closer. Katie tilted her head and tugged on his shirt. He didn't protest as their lips collided.
A slam and a groan were emitted from the other side of the wall. Katie and Jake stopped what they were doing and looked at each other in shock – not because of their actions but of the noise. Another grunt was heard and the two of them pulled away.
"Is that – are they –," Katie started to laugh.
Jake joined her, "I think so."
"Oh, eww, oh ok, let's go," she grabbed his arm.
They continued to laugh as the elevator brought them to the lobby. A few of the guests gave them odd looks but dismissed them. They looked at their phones and saw that they had ten minutes left before midnight struck.
"Do you think they're going to make it in time for the countdown?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," she said, "But I'm not going to think about it."
He agreed, "Good point."
They went back to the ballroom and joined everyone on the dance floor. Jake held on to Katie's hand as they separated from the group. The two swayed to the music but most of their attention was on each other. Katie would occasionally look at him but tried not to meet his eyes. The projector was playing a feed of New York City and everyone started to gather around it.
The countdown started…
10
They continued to hold hands
9
Katie watched the screen
8
Jake looked at her
7
She rested her head on his shoulder
6
He put an arm around her waist
5
She moved in front of him
4
They chanted along
3
The noise got louder
2
Jake turned her to him
1
"Happy New Year, Jake," she breathed out.
"Happy New Year, Katie," he kept his eyes on her.
He cupped her face in his hands and brought her lips to his. She secured her arms around his waist, not wanting to be interrupted again. There was a familiarity in their movements and they were transported to Prom Night and the random summer day before Jake left for BC. For a moment, time stopped, the celebrations continued, and they were content.
A/N: Wow that was a lot longer than I thought but worth it. What did you all think?