Joe had just finished getting ready. He looked like some guy from the Great Gatsby movie, which just made him shake his head. Joe was truly happy about being in New York. He loved the city more than anything, minus the paparazzi and fans that tended to stalk him and every other celebrity that happened to be in the town. Slipping on his shoes, he figured he was more than ready to go to this party and get over it with it, so he could go back to bed.
Getting out of the black SUV, Joe made his way into the building the party was at. He said hi to a few people before making his way to the bar, ordering a drink. After getting served with his drink, the male made his way to a table, sitting down and taking a couple of sips as he looked at the clock, four more hours until the new year. He was glad that 2014 was over, even though the year was a great year, he couldn't wait to see what the new year would bring him, career wise.
Jake eyed Kitty from the opposite side of the banquet hall, sipping on his glass of champagne. Since that fight the other night, both teenagers haven’t been talking; they barely said a word when they had their family breakfast this morning. But now, hours close to midnight and the New Year about to kick in, neither has caved to apologize. He eyed a couple of Michael’s nephews trying to get it in with his girlfriend which drove him to drink. He missed her in all honesty, just a day of not talking to her made him feel so lonely. Michael noticed the tension from his facial expression and approached his step son. “Go apologize. Girls like that.” Michael said, patting Jake’s shoulder and taking his champagne glass away. “And no girl likes alcohol breath for a New Year’s kiss.” He said before walking away. After he left, Jake did not move from his position, contemplating if he should just swallow his pride and say his sorry’s.
Kitty really wanted to be anywhere but where she was, with Jake scowling at her from across the room and Michael's nephews alternating who was hitting on her. Granted, she looked amazing in her tight, short, sparkly dress (ok that was for Jake's benefit), but her and Jake were still fighting, and it was driving her crazy. She wasn't about to apologize to him, but every time they made eye contact from across the room, it seemed liked the tension between them got even worse. Kitty downed her champagne flute, a sour expression on her face at the current boy talking to her. Without saying anything, Kitty turned and walked away to get more champagne, seriously feeling like she wanted to leave.
Jake noticed Kitty walking to the bar, knowing that she was about to get more drinks and things could get ugly once she had a few more. He followed her to the bar, walking from the opposite side and approached her as she ordered another drink. “Garcon, no more drinks for this lady.” Jake cockily said as he leaned on the bar next to Kitty, showing off his French 101 words. “Get her some pink lemonade please instead.” Jake wiggled his eyebrows to the bartender as he moved away to get her something to drink. Jake waited until Kitty acknowledged him.
Kitty tensed when she saw Jake approaching her from the corner of her eye, her entire body stiffening, hoping he wasn't about to pick a fight with her in public. That was not a good omen for 2014. Her eyes narrowed, annoyance all over her face at his ordering a drink - or lack thereof - for her. "Seriously?" she said, her voice low as she turned to face Jake, wondering what exactly he was doing. "Are you trying to make this night even worse for me?"
Jake scoffed at her reaction. “Seriously, if I didn’t stop you; it would have been even worse.” Jake said, his right hand gesturing. “I don’t like kissing someone with alcohol breath by the time midnight strikes.” Jake cockily said, immediately assuming that they will make up by then. He was hoping for it though. This is the longest time they haven’t talked to each other after a fight, and honestly, Jake was sick of it. He couldn’t resist, especially with Kitty. Maybe that’s also the root of his annoyance; cause he felt that she was such a “Princess” when it’s really just him that’s enabling her.
Kitty rolled her eyes, trying to fight back a smile that wanted to spread across her lips. She crossed her arms across her chest, her head tilting slightly to the side, unable to stop the flirtatious smirk. "That's assuming I let you anywhere near me," she said, their fight and lack of making up still at the very front of her mind. It was so easy for her to just drop any fight she had with Jake, especially when he looked the way he did tonight, but she was also well aware that this was the longest fight they had ever had, not having spoken since he stormed out. "And let's be real, that's a big assumption at this point."
Jake let out a small smile when he saw the flirtatious smirk from his girlfriend. He was slowly making his way in again, knowing that his confidence was always a big turn on for Kitty. Jake pried her hand off her current position, very insisting on what he was going to propose. “Dance with me.” Jake said, pulling her gently away from the bar, completely forgetting about the drink he ordered for her. They made their way to the center of the dance floor, Jake’s hand immediately making contact with her hip, and his other hand to hers – fingers lacing together as they waltzed. “I miss you.” Jake said, slowly letting his guard down. He wasn’t sure if she was going to lash out, however this was the perfect place for her not to.
Kitty let Jake pull her away from the bar, having no interest in a drink if it wasn't going to be alcoholic. Just their fingers lacing together as he dragged her into center of the dance floor made Kitty want to forgive him, missing everything about him even if it had only been a few days. Her arm slipped around his shoulders as they waltzed, both of them effortlessly falling into the steps. Her eyes shot up to his with surprise, raising one eyebrow cooly. "Maybe you shouldn't have stormed off the way you did, then," Kitty pointed out, her voice completely steady, not letting any residual anger creep in, and trying to not to show that he was basically forgiven regardless already.
“I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t make you feel like I was walking out on you again, physically and emotionally.” Jake said without any hesitancy, looking unto her beautiful green eyes. “I wanted to go back so bad; but I let my pride get in the way.” Jake continued. “I’m sorry for yelling at you…and for not telling you about the video.” Jake completely apologized, his hold on her waist getting firmer. “I wasn’t going to do anything with it. I wouldn’t do that to you.” Jake continued, his voice almost breaking – signifying how much he regretted everything that happened the other night.
Kitty's arm move tighter around him, puling Jake closer to her. She abandoned the traditional waltz frame, to drop her head onto his shoulder, letting out a huge sigh as he apologized. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice quiet enough that only Jake could hear her, even with the people passing by on the dance floor. "I shouldn't have picked a fight with you, even though it's what I always do. And I'm sorry I told you I didn't trust you," she said, the apology rushing out of her lips now that he had put his pride aside first. She lifted her head up to look at him, her eyes meeting his. "I hate not speaking to you."
Jake’s lips formed into a pout at her last statement, the words of “not speaking” making him sad. “Me either.” Jake said, kissing the top of her head and allowed her to lean her head on his chest. “I didn’t want to stay mad at you, and I didn’t want you to stay mad at me. I hated it when I slept that night angry at you and myself. It was the worst feeling ever.” Jake explained, the thought of it making him feel even more upset at what happened.
"That was stupid," Kitty agreed, her eyes shutting as she leaned against Jake's chest, the sense of relief at being in his arms again overwhelming. She loved the stupid boy way more than was probably healthy. "I was more upset than mad, I guess. ...I'd say we should agree to stop fighting for the New Year, but I also think that's a long shot," she said with a small laugh, knowing their bickering probably wouldn't stop.
“Doubt it.” Jake chuckled as he spoke. “I mean, we argue and we fight but that’s only because we want to be the best for each other. I’d rather us fight, than just keeping everything in and not being communicative.” Jake reasoned, and for the first time in his life, he actually thought that he made sense. “I guess, for the New Year, I’ll try to be more open with you. Like with that video, I should’ve came to you right away when I saw it. Or deleted it right away. I’ll try to not let my own selfishness get in the way of our relationship. Cause mainly that’s what we argue about all the time.” Jake sighed at his last sentence.
"I love you," Kitty sighed in response to his words. It made sense, what he said, and it was a lot better of an explanation than anything Kitty had come up with. "You're not selfish, babe. You're a 17 year old boy. And let's face it, I'm smoking hot. Of course you were going to keep the video," Kitty said, shrugging. While she was still mad at him for doing so, it didn't mean she didn't understand. And he had deleted it, which really fixed the entire issue. Kitty pondered what she could do in the New Year to make their relationship better than it already was, looking up at Jake with wide eyes when she decided. "I guess I can try and listen to you first before I get mad."
“That seems like an awesome idea.” Jake said before his step dad and his mom stepped on the podium and got everybody’s attention by tapping the knife on the Bordeaux glass. Jake and Kitty directed their attention to the two adults. “Ladies and gents –“Michael started. “Five minutes til 2014, we request everybody to start gathering around the center of the floor for our countdown.” They both went down the pedestal and returned to Michael’s CEO friends. “Hey babe.” Jake said, catching Kitty’s attention. “Can we go somewhere private, I don’t really wanna spend New Year’s in a really crowded place.” Jake asked. “I just want to be with you right now, only you.” Jake said, letting go of her and placing one hand inside his pant pocket.
Kitty stepped away from Jake when she heard Michael's voice, looking up. Already almost midnight? "Yeah, of course," Kitty said, looking up at Jake with mild confusion on her face. She glanced around, noticing the people gathering around them, waiters coming with bottles of champagne and glasses as well. With a wink at Jake, she pulled away from him to snatch a bottle of champagne out of a waiters hand, calling her thanks behind her as she grabbed Jake's hand and tugging him away from the crowd of people. "Had somewhere in mind?"
Once they got outside the banquet hall, Jake tried to find a private spot for him and Kitty. Somewhere worth being alone with her. Jake then had an idea, as if you could see the light bulb lighting up on top of his head. “I got the perfect place.” He then pulled Kitty to the elevator and pressed the button to the very top floor of the building. His hold on Kitty’s hand was firm, and his palms were actually getting sweaty. “What did you get?” Jake asked, eyeing the champagne Kitty was holding as they were waiting for the elevator to stop.
Kitty held up the bottle like it was an award, grinning brightly at Jake. "We still need to celebrate, even if we're alone," Kitty said with a shrug. She fidgeted impatiently in the elevator, feeling the seconds ticking down closer to midnight. "So what was your plan if I didn't forgive you?" she said, raising an eyebrow at Jake as the elevator finally reached the top floor, stepping back to let him exit first since it was his idea.
Jake looked around the covered patio on the rooftop, amazed at the “greenhouse ambiance” that it presented. “I always knew this place was here.” Jake said, admiring the small waterfall in the middle of the rectangular area, flowers growing amidst the terrible cold weather in New York. “My plan? Cry in my room while eating Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia flavored ice cream as I watch the Walking Dead.” Jake said, sarcasm noted in his tone. Jake had them step on the small bridge to the waterfall, the place looking almost like a mini golf course, only with a real garden. He quickly looked at his clock and smiled. “Three minutes.” Jake breathed out. He steadied his breath upon noticing that he was already hyperventilating. “Kitty.” Jake called out so that her attention was on him rather than the breathtaking scene.
"Wow," Kitty said, wandering away from Jake to admire the room. It was utterly beautiful. She turned and smiled at Jake, walking to meet him on the bridge in the center of the indoor garden. "I would never let you spend the New Year alone," she said, reaching for his hand and interlocking their fingers. Her eyes were still glancing around the room, admiring the beauty. Her attention snapped to Jake when he called her name, speaking louder than he had to since she was right next to him. "Yes, baby?" she said with an eyebrow raise, noting the nervousness in his voice.
Jake held both of her hands in his, wincing slightly on how it may be incredibly gross for Kitty that his palms were sweaty. Jake let out a deep exhale, trying to normalize the beating of his heart that was thumping triple time. “Kitty. I never thought that we would end up like this quite honestly. When I first met you and when we first spoke in dance class, I thought that I just met the most annoying person alive.” Jake chuckled at his statement. “We couldn’t stand each other, and we tried so hard to bring each other down for that stupid TA position.” Jake paused, composing himself knowing that he was rambling. “And if you asked me back then, my answer would have been, “never in a million years”. But here we are; and if you asked me now, my answer is “I only want a million years with you”. This year had been rough for us, but it only allowed us to learn from our mistakes – in the hope for the time we cross paths again, we would be better for each other. And every single time, life itself just brings me back to you. You may think that, none of my dreams came true – with Julliard and everything.” Jake trailed off. “But what you don’t know is, all of my dreams came true when you decided to stay with me and love me for all I am; despite all my imperfections and all the criticisms you hear from other people. Then it just made me realize lots of new dreams and you know what the best thing is?” Jake asked her with a loving smile, swaying their hands together. “Every single one of them still revolves around me and you.” Jake confessed. “I guess, what I’m really trying to say is –“Jake let go of her hands. He had his one hand reach into his pocket which revealed a small red box, he kneeled on one knee in front of her. He opened the box slowly, his hands shaking; revealed a modest engagement ring with a small diamond, roughly ten karats, held in place with a thin, four prong sterling silver band. “I would like to make those new dreams come true, our dreams. Katherine Wilde, will you do me the honor of being my wife?” Jake asked with a glimmer of hope evident in his eyes. The crowd from the banquet hall below them had started counting from ten all the way to five as Jake waited for her response.
Kitty's eyebrows furrowed together as Jake took both of her hands, clearly extremely nervous. She looked down at her hands in his, before looking up at his brown eyes, trying to calm the fact that her own heart was starting to race, responding to Jake's nervous energy. His words were washing over her, agreeing with every sentiment he spoke. She had hated him at first, but falling in love with him happened so quickly that it was clear it was meant to be. She had pretended to hate him when she came back, but really it was all she could do not to tell him she loved him. Not that that had lasted long. Kitty blinked back tears in her eyes, Jake's words and likely the addition of champagne making her emotional. "Oh my God," she whispered when Jake dropped her hands to pull out a box, sinking to his knee. Her hands started shaking, one of them covering her mouth as she looked at him through blurry eyes, barely seeing the ring he was suddenly presenting her. She heard the countdown start downstairs, and she kept staring at him, trying to register what was happening. "Yes," she breathed, saying it was like the most obviously thing in the world, as the crowd downstairs hit three, two.... Kitty wrapped her arms around Jake's neck, her lips meeting his as he stood up, explosions of Happy New Year's and fireworks simultaneously going off, and Kitty only noticing Jake, his arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her feet off the ground as they kissed.
Jake’s eyes were shut tightly as the New Year rung in, his lips tightly locked with Kitty’s. It was as if he was on cloud nine, the love of his life – his epic love agreeing to marry him. When Kitty broke the kiss, he wanted to complain, but he was reminded of the ring that was still in the box on the palm of his hand. “Right, right. The ring.” Jake said as he put her down, slowly slipping the diamond ring unto her ring finger. To his surprise, it fit perfectly, nobody had picked this ring but him. And Jake being Jake, he knows that he had a possibility of screwing it up. But it was a New Year, and he wanted no screw ups at all. “It’s perfect for you.” Jake said. “Just like how you are perfect for me.” Jake picked up the champagne off the floor and popping the cork, causing Kitty to jump a little at how loud the pop was.
Kitty's hand was shaking as Jake took it in his own to slip the ring on her finger, the perfect fit for her left ring finger. The diamond sparkled and Kitty admired it with wide eyes, jumping when Jake popped the champagne. She giggled, her heart still racing. "We didn't grab glasses," she pointed out, unable to keep from glancing down at the ring again. "I love it," she murmured, waving her fingers in the air at Jake. "And you!" she said with a giggle, jumping up at him and wrapping her legs around his waist, laughing as he caught her with one hand, the other trying not to spill the bottle of champagne.
Jake was unable to contain the smile that was forming on his face as his now fiancé admired her engagement ring. “Technically, you proposed first to me.” Jake said, showing off the ring she got him for Christmas. Kitty then jumped at him; Jake impressively catching her with one arm as she wrapped her legs on his waist. “No glass? No problems.” Jake said, taking a swig of the champagne straight from the bottle. “Ah.” Jake said right after – “so good baby.” He then gently pressed his lips on hers, pulling back and ghosting the words of “I love you forever” on her lips.
Kitty kissed Jake back, her arms around his neck. She tasted the champagne on his lips, and took the bottle from his hand to take a sip herself. She didn't think she had ever had such a big smile on her face, unable to stop from kissing Jake again. "I am in love with you," she murmured into his lips, before turning the kiss decidedly less innocent. "I think 2014 is going to be good, baby."
