Chapter 12: "Fireworks That Burn To The 4th Degree"

Lukas hadn't ever made a New Years resolution that he'd actually kept. It wasn't a big deal, it was usually just little things like "I won't tease Emil so much this year" or "I'll share more of my toys" and things like that. But something about this New Year felt different and he really felt like he should be making a resolution and actually trying to keep it this time around.

But what was there to make a resolution about? Was there really anything he wanted or needed to work on? Well, he knew he wasn't perfect. He got out a piece of paper and a pen, wanting to write it down, whatever it was. He laid his head down on his desk and drew a little snowflake in the corner while he thought.

He could... make more friends? But he had already been trying. He grumbled and sunk down in his chair. Maybe he could try to be nicer? But he was already trying that, too. He stared down at the scribbly snowflake and dropped the pen at last. He was already trying many things thanks to Mathias. The resolution was useless. He was already getting better.

Mathias nervously picked up the phone and dialed in Lukas' number. He was surprised when it was actually him who answered this time. He cleared his throat and said, "Hey, Lukas! So... New Years, huh?"

Oh, god. New Years, huh? Nice. He was trying to sound smooth but was clearly failing.

"...yes."

"Oh. Well, uh, I was wondering if you'd want to go to Tivoli with me later? Unless you're already doing something, which is cool."

There was silence and he thought Lukas might have hung up, but then there was a sort of humming followed by, "Oh. What?"

"Right! It's an amusement park. They're open late and there's fireworks so that could be really cool," he said, gripping the phone a little tighter.

"...what time?"

He sighed in relief and smiled. "Well, I can't go till six. I have to go to dinner with my dad first. But I can meet you there after? Just wait at the entrance."

"...okay."

The line went dead and Mathias hung up, a huge grin on his face.

"You've got enough money on you, Mathias?"

He looked at his dad and nodded, patting his pocket. "Plenty. Thanks for dinner, dad." His dad just shrugged and patted him on the back awkwardly. Mathias waited a second, expecting him to say something else, but he was silent, so he went ahead and stepped out of the car. He walked up to the entrance and tried to ignore the sound of the car speeding away.

It was busy tonight, but he could spot Lukas standing by the entrance. He was just watching people to amuse himself it seemed and it was actually kind of funny. Lukas looked up and spotted Mathias. He quickly walked over to him, trying to stay as close as possible. "It's busy," he said, his eyes scanning over the crowd. Mathias shrugged and handed him a ticket. "That's pretty normal," he said as he got in a long line to go in.

They ended up waiting in the line for about fifteen minutes, which made Mathias a bit antsy, but he really tried to contain himself. When they finally got in, it was like releasing a puppy in an open field. Mathias wanted to ride everything. Huge roller coasters, kiddie rides, it didn't matter. Lukas went along with him, though he wasn't a fan of roller coasters. They blew his hair around and the air was so cold. The food was a highlight, though.

By that I mean that none of it was healthy. More of a highheavy. Lukas thought he was pretty good about putting food down, but Mathias was another story. He practically inhaled it. They walked around the park and looked at more attractions that weren't so intense after Mathias nearly got sick on one of the rides. That was much more pleasant in Lukas' opinion, though.

It was nice being around Mathias, too. He could be annoying at times, but it never outweighed any of his good qualities. Sure, he said some stupid things, but he could be funny, too, and he could be kind. By the time it was ten, the sun was far below the horizon and Lukas honestly didn't want to go home yet. Mathias checked the time and smiled. "We can stay out till midnight. That way we can see some fireworks," he suggested. Lukas nodded quickly and smiled a little.

For the next hour and a half they walked around, keeping their heads down as to avoid anyone who was already intoxicated, but they seemed enthralled with themselves, anyway. They talked and looked at things, people watched, things like that. They could tell by the crowd that the fireworks would start soon, so they claimed a spot and stood there, looking expectantly at the sky.

11:46

Lukas mentioned that he had been trying to come up with a resolution, and Mathias shrugged. "You don't need to improve on anything," he said with a smile. Lukas was glad it was dark because he knew his cheeks were pink. He nodded and looked up at Mathias. "Do you have a resolution?"

Mathias hesitated before nodding a little. "What is it?" He asked, turning to face him. Mathias just shook his head and smiled. "Can't tell you, Lukas. I think it's kind of like a wish. Won't happen if I tell you."

Lukas rolled his eyes and leaned against him a little. They changed the topic to school for some odd reason, though it was clear neither wanted to think about going back to school just yet.

11:52

They both tried to pick out stars, but the lights of the city blocked out most of them so it was useless.

11:54

Lukas noticed that for some reason Mathias was getting a little more anxious. He was shuffling a little bit and talking less than usual. His hands were in his coat pockets but he could see that he was moving them. He opened his mouth to say something about it, but decided to bring up the topic of music instead.

11:58

Mathias cleared his throat and looked at all of the people around them. He kept checking the time and despite the cold, he could feel himself sweating a little. He tapped his fingers on the phone in his pocket, looking at his feet. You got it. Just do it. Worst that could happen is he thinks you're super weird. Mathias inwardly groaned.

But you can just make up a tradition, right? I mean, he's from Norway, so if he thinks it's weird, you can just blame it on being a Danish tradition. No big deal. Mathias was barely breathing. The time didn't even seem to be passing.

11:59

Oh, god. Time was definitely passing. Mathias continued to try to mentally prepare himself, smiling occasionally to assure Lukas that he wasn't a complete freak who was nervous about something stupid. Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it.

How was he supposed to do it anyways? Was it supposed to be soft? Was it supposed to be hard? How much force was he supposed to use?! Was he supposed to touch his face?

12:00

There was a loud cheer, a chime, and the sound of people singing. Mathias took a deep breath and started to pull Lukas closer, but before he could even lean in, he felt two cold hands on his cheeks and Lukas' lips on his own.

He stared at him with wide eyes, and for once in his life, Mathias was absolutely speechless. Lukas' cheeks burned dark red and he stumbled over his words nervously. "It's only traditionally in Norway! I mean, it's for normal in Norway! I mean... I mean!"

Mathias took a deep breath and leaned in, kissing him again. This time, Lukas just let out a little surprised squeak. They both stared at each other. Each of their faces were flushed and neither knew what to say. Finally, Lukas said, "You're supposed to kiss someone at the start of a New Year!"

He was trying so hard to defend himself that Mathias couldn't help but to just laugh at him. All the adrenaline came crashing down and he couldn't stop laughing. Lukas huffed and punched his arm, pouting. "It's not funny," he mumbled into his scarf. Mathias grabbed him and hugged him, still laughing. "It is! It's really funny. You're so red and I was so nervous and..." He took a deep breath and tried to stop laughing. "And this is probably the best moment of my life.

Lukas finally relaxed and hugged him back. He started giggling when he was finally calm, and even he couldn't stop when he thought about how silly it was to be nervous over something like a kiss. They both looked at each other, wide grins growing on their faces.

"Hey, Lukas?"

"Huh?"

He looked at the fireworks and nodded slowly. "Happy New Years."

Norgey porgey pumpkin pie

Kissed the boys and made them cry

When the girls came out to play

Norgey porgey ran away