#New Year's Eve Kiss

[seeminglyranch87]

Taylor & Travis Timeline

December 2023 - part 3

December 16 - Travis Kelce arrives ahead of game - Foxborough, MA

December 17 - Chiefs v New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Travis passes by a billboard of Taylor at Gillette Stadium (x) during game warm up session

Taylor attends Chiefs v Patriots game with her dad Scott Swift, Brittany Mahomes, Ashleigh Avignone, Melanie Nyema, Alana Haim & others.

Taylor wore a vintage Chiefs sweater and fan made beanie with custom "87"

KC Chiefs defeat Patriots 27 - 17

Chiefs Coach Andy Reid after the game says of Taylor (x 5:40) when asked about her affect on the team:

"I'm a big fan so I'm glad she was here, I hope she enjoyed it, She's got a great guy that she is dating right now, I'm happy for both of them."

Taylor and Travis fly back to Kansas City.

December 18 - The messenger informs us (x) incase you were wondering...

"There are no plans for an engagement anytime soon," the source exclusively told The Messenger amid rumors. "There is no engagement at this time."

December 19 - Page Six publish article - Taylor & Travis to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve together.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will be spending the holidays together this year, Page Six can exclusively confirm.

A source tells us that the pop superstar, 34, will be with her NFL beau, also 34, in Kansas City, Mo., on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve since he is scheduled to work on both days. “She’ll for sure be at the games,” an insider says.

The Hollywood Reporter post a humorous look at "The 2023 Hollywood Yearbook" and crown Taylor and Travis as Prom Queen and King (x)

December 21 - New Heights Ep. 69 airs. Travis and Jason Kelce discuss the Chiefs v Patriots win and Taylor's popularity at the venue and Scott Swift's support for the Chiefs. (x 38.00)

Travis refers to Taylor being shown on the jumbo-tron at Gillette Stadium during the game...

"I'll say this they showed Taylor at the game and I mean you don't you don't see an entire home team fan base go insane for somebody wearing the opposite team's colors. Just shows you how amazing that girl is They went absolutely insane when they showed Taylor on the screen, there might have been a few Brads and Chads that were booing but for the most part everybody was f** screaming their tail off, I was trying to keep it cool I was like don't show don't show your cards don't show your cards it was fun man it was fun. Shout out to the the Patriots New England, Taylor's on board or she's on record saying that that Stadium's one of the funnest that she's played at so for them to show her is uh just kind of I guess showing her some some love so shout out to the Patriots for doing that."

The NFL continue to post about Taylor and Travis...

December 21 - Taylor at Electric Lady Studios, NYC

December 22 - Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Quarterback praises Taylor in interview with CBS Mornings (x)

Patrick sharing his thoughts on Taylor...

"She's just part of Chiefs kingdom now, she's part of the team"

"She's top tier at her profession"

"I'm glad that she is the person that she is and that is why I think her and Travis match so well."

December 25 - Christmas Day

Chiefs v Las Vegas Raiders, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

Travis arrives at Arrowhead Stadium ahead of game (x)

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A post shared by Kansas City Chiefs (@chiefs)

Taylor arrives at Arrowhead Stadium with Santa - Austin Swift

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A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)

Taylor watches game with her parents Scott and Andrea, brother Austin, his girlfriend Sydney, Ed Kelce, Brittany Mahomes Lindsay Bell and others.

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A post shared by ESPN (@espn)

Taylor seen wearing a Santa hat with "87" on it in support of Travis. Commentators accidentally call Taylor Travis' "wife" (x)

Raiders defeat Chiefs 20 - 14

Taylor leaves Arrowhead Stadium with Travis (x) to celebrate Christmas together.

December 29 - New Heights Ep 71 airs (x) - Travis and Jason talk about their Christmas celebration with parents Donna and Ed and are also joined by Kylie Kelce.

Travis asked Kylie who grew up in Philadelphia "did you guys go out to Reading or Lancaster?" to buy a Christmas tree when she was a child? With a knowing grin, Kylie admits to never visiting Reading but "I heard there was a tree farm out there" (1:24)

We all know in whose heart there is a "Christmas Tree Farm" ;-)

“I feel like you might like cats now,” Kylie teased her brother in law. Which leads us to ask how is Travis getting along with Meredith, Olivia and Benjamin? (1:27)

When talking about his Christmas Day and referencing the Chiefs loss Travis said “I’ve had better. … But it ended well, it ended well with good Christmas cheer and good people. That’s always gonna save Christmas no matter if you lose to the Raiders or not.”

Travis went on to praise Taylor’s brother, Austin Swift, who attended the game dressed in a Santa costume. “It was a full commit. He killed it,” Travis said, revealing that Austin gave him “a VHS of my favorite football movie of all time... the Little Giants” “He actually made me feel like a child because his gift to me was straight out of the bag.” “Santa kills it,” Travis said of the gift. (1:30)

December 31 - Chiefs v Bengals, Arrowhead Stadium. Travis arrives ahead of game (x)

Taylor watches the game at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City wearing a Chiefs varsity jacket customised with "Tay Tay". Travis wore a matching jacket heading into the game last week. Perhaps this jacket is a gift from Travis?? Taylor looks like she had a fabulous time cheering on Travis and the Chiefs.

Chiefs defeat Bengals 25 - 17 and are now AFC West Champions and qualified for playoffs! (x)

Travis & Taylor leave Arrowhead together

Travis and Taylor celebrate New Year's Eve together (x x x)

Go to part 1 of December 2023

Go to part 2 of December 2023

Go to next update -> January 2024, part 1

Return to the timeline

[hairmetal666]

Steve has a problem. Not a big problem--not an Upside Down-sized problem--but still. A problem. In the form of Eddie Munson. And not the person Eddie Munson, who is second only to Robin in the hierarchy of Steve's heart, but his feelings in regard to one Eddie Munson. Namely, his enormous, devastating, gay crush on the guy.

And he knows, okay, he knows Eddie is gay, but that doesn't mean he wants Steve. Eddie is probably into other metalheads or dnd nerds. What could Steve, with his sports and his polo shirts, possibly have to offer?

He's coping, though. Or, at least, he thought he was until the Family Video phone rings and Jonathan invites them to the New Year's Eve party he and Argyle are throwing at their new apartment.

"We have to make a no-date pact." He tells Robin as soon as the phone is back in the cradle.

"Or you could just ask Eddie."

"You could just ask Nancy." He raises an eyebrow.

She lets out a slow breath. "Yeah, okay. No-date pact. I'm down."

It's just as easy to get Nancy and Eddie on board. Nancy just laughs and says "yeah, like I'd bring a date to the party my ex-boyfriend is hosting with his new boyfriend. How you do you even start to explain that dynamic?"

And Eddie snorts right in Steve's face (it's not cute, it's not), says, "Right, cause my dating pool in Hawkins, Indiana is just ripe with guys who want to ring in the New Year with me."

Steve wants to say that he would be that guy, happily, giddily, but he can't risk blowing up his second most important friendship like that, not when Eddie's never given a fraction of a hint that he wants Steve too.

But that's his problem solved, right? The four of them aren't bringing dates. Easy-peasy.

Unfortunately, Steve's life hasn't ever worked out like that, and the party turns out to not be only their little end of the world crew and a handful of people Jon knows from his grocery store job, but an actual motherfucking party.

It takes almost ten minutes for him and Robin to navigate through the sea of strangers to find Jon and Argyle handing out solo cups in the kitchen.

"Who are all these people?" He shouts over the pounding music, nothing like Steve's ever heard.

"Argyle got a job at the record store down the street," Jon yells.

"Co-workers." Argyle nods. "And a few of their friends."

"A few, right."

"The more the merrier. Right, my dude?"

"Sure." Steve takes a cup. "You seen Eddie around?"

"Living room, last time I looked." Jonathan answers.

"See you around?" Robin asks.

"At least meet up for the ball drop," Argyle answers.

They push their way into the cramped living room, and Steve searches for that familiar cloud of hair, the ripped black jeans. It takes a minute just for the sheer amount of bodies pressed into the small space, and when he sees him Eddie's--

He's standing against a wall, next to the stereo (of course), but there's someone with him. Someone who is tall and leanly muscled in a way that Steve isn't. Someone with long hair pushed back from his forehead. Someone with facial piercings in places Steve didn't even know you could pierce and tattoos and a chain hanging from his worn blue jeans and a bandana in his back pocket, just like Eddie.

And Eddie he's--he's gazing up at this dude with clear stars in his brown doe eyes, body angling towards the other man like he can't help but push more into his orbit.

Steve turns hard, Robin colliding with his side. "Steve, what the--oh."

"I hate New Year's Eve," Steve sighs, trying to ignore the sick feeling in his stomach. It's always been the kind of holiday that is high on expectation and low on follow-through.

"C'mon, I think I spotted Nance over by the bedroom."

He lets Robin guide him across the room, steadfastly not looking back at where Eddie is very obviously finding himself a date. It's okay, Steve reasons. It's okay because that was obviously the kind of guy Eddie would be into it. He knew he had, like, no chance. He shouldn't be disappointed. He shouldn't.

The evening slips away in the shove of people, in the solo cup that manages to always be full in his hand, and he tries as hard as he can to ignore the way Robin and Nancy start sharing the same space.

So much for the no-date pact. He would laugh if a sort of deep loneliness wasn't seeping into his bones.

There's a girl, though, across the room. She's in a short dress and glances at Steve from under hooded eyelids. He could make a move; could have someone to kiss at midnight; have someone just for the night. But then--his heart makes a pathetic patter--Eddie.

Eddie who is practically in that stranger's lap.

He goes out for a cigarette.

When he comes back inside, it's five minutes til midnight and Nancy and Robin are dancing slow and sweet to a song that is neither.

He's happy for them, almost incandescent with it, but the loneliness sinks deeper, reaches marrow, especially after he fails to find Eddie in the crowd.

Steve thinks it might be time to give the whole failed endeavor up for good, but Jonathan and Argyle, both in tiny 1987 novelty top hats, appear at his side.

"Stevie-boy!" Argyle bellows. He lifts Steve at the waist, twirling him, and Steve laughs despite himself.

"Keeping busy?" He asks.

Jonathan pounds him on the back, just a little too hard.

A guest yells from deep in the apartment, "one minute to midnight!" and the music turns off, the TV tuned to Dick Clark and turned up.

Nancy and Robin find their way over, Robin mouthing "sorry," on her way. He pulls her into a side-hug; he'll never begrudge her any happiness, even on his worst day.

From across the room, there's a crash, a short yelp, and then a familiar head of fuzzy brown curls makes its way to them.

"Sorry, sorry." Eddie apologizes as he shoves through the other guests.

"Hi, guys!" He beams at them, cheeks flushed. Steve looks away so he doesn't have to think about how beautiful Eddie is; about how he's not the one who made him blush so pretty.

The countdown on the screen reaches 30 seconds, and the party goers start chanting.

"What happened to--?" Steve can't help but asking.

"Psh, that dude? He's a punk. Plus, I couldn't imagine ringing in 1987 without you guys by my side."

Steve blushes and rolls his eyes. "Sap." He knocks his hip into Eddie's.

"You love it," Eddie wraps him in a loose hold.

The count is down to 10, the ball almost dropped, Jonathan and Argyle and Nancy and Robin making soft eyes at each other.

"What's going on in that head of yours, sweetheart?" Eddie knocks his head gently against Steve's.

"It's nothing."

"You're pouting." Eddie mimics him with a poked out lip.

The count is down to 5.

"Fuck, I just--I wanted to have someone to kiss at midnight, you know?"

The ball drops, the year changes over, the room cheers. His coupled up friends cling to each other in soft, joyous kisses.

Eddie's eyes flick to their friends, to the guests, all kissing and embracing and celebrating, then back to Steve.

With two careful fingers, Eddie lifts Steve's chin, makes it so he can't look away.

"Fuck it," Eddie says. He leans forward, kisses Steve with soft authority.

And Steve just--he just fucking--crumbles into it. He makes a soft noise, curls his fists into Eddie's t-shirt.

Eddie's hands work their way into his hair, pulling him closer. Steve goes eagerly, crushes their bodies together.

They kiss and they kiss, and it's already so far from a friendly New Year's kiss, but then Eddie's tongue swipes into Steve's mouth, and the kiss breaks.

"Um," Eddie says.

Steve can't respond because all his focus is on not giving into the weakness in his knees and collapsing to the floor.

"I've wanted you to do that all night," Steve says.

"Oh." Eddie's face blossoms into a slow smile. "Me too. A lot longer than that, actually."

It's Steve's turn to smile, and he does, so hard it hurts his cheeks. "Me too."

Eddie presses their foreheads together. "Happy New Year, Stevie."

Someone starts singing Auld Lang Syne loudly and off-key, but they're quickly drowned out by a chorus of accompanying voices.

"Happy New Year, Ed."

Steve pulls him in for another kiss. 1987 is already shaping up to be the best year of his life.

[orangechickenpillow]

Meanwhile Lae'zel:

Bg3 as unhinged posts 🍾/?

Part 3

Bonus Astarion under the cut

[mardyart]

new year’s eve hawkins fair and they’re on guard duty together

[justarandomgirly]

Red white & royal blue (2023)

[oakleybillions]

The countdown’s nearly over but you still don’t have a new years kiss?

[dgct2]

(MULDER looks at the kissing couples, then at SCULLY who is watching the TV. He looks at her lips. MULDER leans down toward her. She turns to him. They kiss. For about 7 seconds. Very sweet. They pull apart and look at each other and smile. Perfect.)

MULDER: The world didn't end.

SCULLY: No, it didn't.

(SCULLY gets a wistful, far-away expression.)

MULDER: Happy New Year, Scully.

SCULLY: Happy New Year, Mulder.

7.04 Millennium

[steddieas-shegoes]

There’s too much pressure on him.

He can’t fuck this up.

Eddie keeps looking at him, suspicious but not saying anything. Thank god.

Robin keeps giving him tiny pep talks when they manage to find a few seconds alone: “you got this” and “I promise he feels the same way” and “if you don’t do it now you’ll regret it forever.”

The last one isn’t so much a pep talk as a threat, but it still does the job.

He shakes his hands out, like he’s about to jump in the pool for a swim meet.

He bounces on his feet, slaps his arms like he’s warming up before taking the court for a must-win basketball game.

He looks and feels incredibly stupid and he’s certain that someone will see him acting like this and have questions. He just hopes it’s not Dustin. Or Max. Or Mike, Jesus Christ.

He sneaks away when the announcers give a five minute warning to the countdown. He needs a minute alone before he potentially ruins one of the best friendships he’s ever had besides Robin.

He hides in the bathroom, looks at his reflection in the mirror and tries to smile. He used to be so confident, used to be able to tell himself to make a move and make it successfully. But it used to not matter, not like this does.

No one has ever mattered the way Eddie does.

And fucking this up will ruin a lot more than just his friendship with Eddie; it’ll ruin the entire group’s dynamics.

No more hanging out at the arcade while the kids play, no more bringing snacks to game nights, no more adults only movie nights to make up for the shitty movies the kids make them watch during family movie nights.

No more getting high in Eddie’s bedroom while he plays his guitar, only trusting Steve to see how he still struggles with some chords because his fingers have more nerve damage than even the doctors know.

No more falling asleep on the couch while Eddie reads to him or tells him made up stories that turn into campaigns for the kids.

No more swimming in Steve’s pool after midnight, when Steve is scared, but wants to face his fears with Eddie by his side.

The bathroom door opening startles him from his morose thoughts, and he rushes to try to close it.

“Chill, man. Just me.”

Eddie.

“Sorry, must’ve zoned out.” Steve pretends to wipe his hands on the towel hanging by the sink. “All yours, man.”

Steve starts to leave when Eddie’s hand curls around his shoulder, tugs him back.

“You’ve been weird all night, Stevie. What’s goin’ on? Worried about having to see Nancy and Jonathan kiss?” Something’s off with Eddie’s voice towards the end, like he was going for teasing, but lost the effort halfway through the question.

Steve could hear a one minute warning from the other room.

His heart rate quickened.

“No. That’s not it.” Steve gulped. “I’m fine. Just worried.”

“I don’t think you need to worry.”

As if Eddie would know.

“I’ll just head out there-“

Eddie pushes him against the back of the bathroom door, hands on his chest and eyes boring into his.

“You were worried about kissing me, right? I didn’t imagine the way you avoided me all night and the way Robin kept poking me and looking at you anytime someone brought up kissing at midnight?” Eddie looks like he’s back in the boathouse, looks wild in a way Steve kind of loves, but probably needs to settle. “I haven’t imagined the way you look at me, have I? Like, the crush on you is probably out of hand, but I couldn’t have made up the way you always fall asleep on my shoulder when we try to stay up too late and your hand always finds mine and-“

Steve couldn’t take it. He could listen to Eddie spiral all night or he could just do what he was pretty sure they both wanted and just kiss him.

So he does.

He leans forward and kisses his lips, hopes that the way Eddie’s fingers curl against his chest doesn’t mean he’s about to push him away.

It’s short, and Steve’s hands are stuck at his side while he waits for a proper reaction from Eddie, who is frozen other than the fingers digging into Steve’s chest hairs somewhat painfully.

“Eddie?” He asks after a long silence.

“Steve, shut up. I might be in a coma still. Or those stupid bats got me and I’ve spent the last few months dreaming up a somewhat regular life.”

Steve smirked and placed his hands on top of Eddie’s, slowly unfurling the fingers and holding them in his.

“Eddie.”

This time, Eddie managed to look at him, and his shoulders fell as he seemed to catch on that he wasn’t dreaming or dead.

“Can I kiss you again or are you gonna panic?”

Eddie let out a strangled noise and nodded.

“I need a yes or a no, Eds,” Steve laughed.

“Yes. Please. Always yes. Kiss me for every single minute of 1987 if you want. Start and end the year kissing me. Kiss me until I-“

Steve shook his head, so stupidly fond of this man, and leaned in to kiss him again.

This time, Eddie managed to kiss him back, lips not as firm as they parted beneath Steve’s.

And this time when he pulled away, Eddie’s eyes slowly blinked open, and he was smiling.

“Can’t believe you did this on New Year’s Eve. How stereotypical. You’ve turned me into a stereotype. How could you do this? Stevie, I’m so ridiculously in love with you, but you really should’ve done this yesterday or something.”

“I love you, too.”

Eddie snapped his mouth shut, eyes going wide as his cheeks turned a bright red.

“I have really gotta learn to shut up. I blame Robin for the rambling.”

Steve’s hands wrapped around Eddie’s waist, pulling him closer as he kissed his forehead with a laugh.

“I think you had this problem way before you hung out with Robin.”

“How would you know, sunshine?” Eddie faked annoyance, but the term of endearment gave him away completely.

“I just know you pretty well. And I love you.”

“So you’ve said.”

“You have too.”

“I have, haven’t I?”

They both stared at each other in silence for a full minute before bursting into laughter.

Someone banged on the door as they rested their forehead against each other, laughing through another kiss.

“If you’re all done making out in there, some of us have been holding it since last year!” Max’s voice rang out.

“That joke doesn’t really mean anything when last year was two minutes ago, Maxine!” Eddie yelled back, not pulling away from Steve.

“I will use Steve’s bathroom if you don’t come out in five seconds!”

“God, please no.” Steve said as he pulled away and opened the door. “You suck so much.”

“Not as much as you apparently,” Max said back as she pushed past them and slammed the door.

“I didn’t even get to the sucking yet,” Eddie whined. “Why is she so mean?”

“She’s a teenage girl. They’re all like that.”

“Thank god I never liked them.”

“Never?”

“Steve, I was so busy trying to hide how hot I thought you were, I didn’t even notice girls.”

“Seriously?!” Steve laughed. “That must’ve been terrible for your image.”

“Yeah, well, now I think I’m the one terrible for your image, so I guess it worked out for me,” Eddie smirked, kissing Steve’s cheek.

“Very funny. Now back to the sucking thing…”

“Oh my god, I can hear you!” Max yelled from in the bathroom, causing Steve and Eddie to roll their eyes and laugh.

“That’s okay, we’ll just go upstairs, won’t we?” Eddie said loudly.

“Yep, I think that’s where we’ll be for the rest of the night!” Steve said back.

“Just go away!” Max yelled as the toilet flushed.

Steve did lead Eddie upstairs, and they definitely did intend on using a few minutes of privacy to their advantage, but were interrupted the moment Steve’s pants were unbuttoned.

Mike Wheeler would probably never recover from seeing Eddie’s lips on Steve’s neck, but maybe he’d at least learn to knock on doors before opening them.

[stucky-headcanon-bot]

🤬

[thisapplepielife]

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles December challenge.

Go With This

Prompt Day 30: New Year's Eve | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: M | CW: Underage Drinking, Weed, Off-Screen Sex While Under the Influence | Tags: Post S4, Eddie Munson Lives, New Year's Eve Party, All the Teens, Kissing at Midnight, Getting Together, Morning After, Eddie POV

"Gareth, no!" Eddie screams, as he steps through the doorway, but it's too late. The bottle of champagne pops open, exploding all over Steve's kitchen.

"Oh, fuck!" Gareth says, trying to control the spray, but it's useless. He's making it worse instead of better. Gareth didn't shake it up on purpose, but Eddie watched him poking at the cork with his pocket knife and knew something bad was gonna happen.

Gareth is flailing around, shouting, "I'm sorry!"

Steve's already waving him off, grabbing a towel off the counter, then some paper towels, and finally the mop for good measure. It's going to be a goddamn sticky mess when it dries, that's for damn sure. 

"It's okay," Steve says, but Eddie can see that his jaw is tense, clenched. 

They didn't even ask if they could have New Year's Eve here at his house, they all just decided that's what they were doing, and made Steve go with it.

Eddie gets down and tries to help wipe it up, but he's pretty faded. Argyle brought the good shit, and Eddie's been going out back with him and Jonathan all night long.

But, Steve smiles at him, so maybe Eddie isn't on Steve's shit-list.

The ball drops, and it's 1987. He made it through 1986, thank fucking Christ. Eddie watches everyone take turns kissing each other. Weird. He thinks he could have lived without seeing Nancy kiss Jonathan, and then Steve, back-to-back. But then she kisses Argyle, and Argyle kisses Jonathan as Nancy kisses Robin. 

Is this an orgy? 

Was Eddie invited to an orgy and didn't know it? 

Or, do preppy kids have a version of key parties? Eddie looks for a fishbowl.

Gareth gawks at him, like, what the fuck and Eddie stares. He doesn't know either. Clearly not wanting to be left out, Gareth kisses Goodie, much to Goodie's chagrin. Jeff just laughs, and then kisses Eddie, and it's weird, but okay, he guesses.

Then, Nancy presses her lips to his.

He's kissed Nancy Wheeler now. In what world?

But, okay. That's okay, too, he supposes. 

It wasn't sexual. He's sure of that, and if he had any concerns, they'd have evaporated a second later, once he sees Robin kiss Steve. It's the weirdest thing he's seen yet, even if it's only a hard pucker of a kiss that nobody would ever mistake for being romantic. It looked more like a hostage situation, and Robin immediately wiped the back of her hand across her mouth, hard.

"Rude," Steve says, and Robin laughs.

Then, Steve looks at him, and Eddie falters.

Steve's gonna kiss him.

Eddie watches Steve lean in, and Eddie doesn't know if he needs to go with this, or flee the country. It's too late to choose, because Steve presses his lips to Eddie's, and Eddie's hand isn't connected to his brain anymore, because he lifts it, cupping Steve's neck. 

Steve startles, but only for a second, then opens his mouth over Eddie's, and now they're kissing kissing. Not just the friendly peck Steve offered everyone else. 

Shit. Fuck. Damn.

Eddie tries to extract himself from this, but Steve's fingers are digging into his back, and Eddie can feel everyone's eyes on them. They're never gonna live this down. 

Steve finally lets him go, and Eddie makes a move to step away, but Steve grabs his hand.

"Happy New Year," Steve says to the room, and heads for the staircase, dragging Eddie along behind him. 

Oh shit. 

But Eddie follows, willingly. Letting Steve pull him to his bedroom. Letting Steve yank his shirt over his head, letting Steve press kisses to his chest, his scars. Hands roaming, both of them pulling off clothes, grabbing at each other. 

This is really happening.

Eddie tries to toe off his Reeboks, but realizes he's wearing his boots, and almost falls over. Steve doesn't let him, and just squats down, and starts unlacing them. Pulling the long laces loose, in swift movements.

It's hot. It's so hot.

And Steve is eye level with his dick, and this is what dreams are made of, for sure.

Happy Fucking New Year.

In the morning, Eddie clomps across the kitchen floor in his unlaced boots, and the soles stick with every step. He gets a vaguely clean-looking glass from the countertop, and fills it with water. 

And drinks, and drinks, and drinks.

He looks out over the living room, and can see Gareth on the couch, with one eye barely open. Clearly hungover. Maybe Eddie fucked up letting Gareth join them. Gareth's not that old, not yet. He's still in that weird middle-ground. Eddie was drinking and smoking at his age. Steve, too. But maybe they shouldn't encourage it. Maybe Gareth should have been sent to Dustin's kiddie party, instead. But Gareth would've fought that.

Gareth whistles low, a mocking catcall.

Eddie looks down. He's wearing his boxers, and his boots. And that's it. Fuck. Yeah, he's hungover, too.

Eddie doesn't give Gareth the satisfaction, so he twirls, showing off. Acting like he meant to look exactly like this.

Then, Steve stumbles into the kitchen, taking the glass from Eddie's hand, gulping down the rest of the water, and he's in his briefs, and that's it. With a big-ass hickey on his neck, that Eddie is certain he's responsible for, even if he doesn't quite remember doing it. 

"Steve's hairy," Gareth mumbles, and Eddie laughs, even if it kills his head. 

They are all so hungover, it's ridiculous. Maybe he shouldn't have mixed champagne, beer and liquor with Argyle's weed.

But then Steve leans down, and puts his chin on Eddie's shoulder, wrapping his arms around Eddie's waist, hugging him from behind. No, Eddie thinks this is the best thing he's ever done, maybe. 

Eddie leans back into him, and Steve kisses him on the bare shoulder.

"Happy New Year," Eddie says, quietly.

Steve chuckles, hugging him tighter, "Well, it sure has been so far."

Yeah, 1987 is definitely going to be Eddie's year.

Notes: Thank you so much to everyone who read, liked, commented on and reblogged all my entries for this month-long challenge. I really enjoyed participating in this event so damn much. Thank you for reading! ❤️

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun!

If you want to see the rest of my entries into this month-long challenge, you can check them out in my Steddie Holiday Drabbles tag, right here!

[bridoesotherjunk]

Eddie and Venom spending the new year on the run, Venom confused when Eddie has them stop at a New Year's Eve party, Venom excited to count down once Eddie explains it, Venom's eyes going so wide when Eddie kisses their goopy lil head at midnight, Venom thinking about that kiss for weeks afterwards.

is this anything?

[sillywabbits]

~Mushy love! 💕

Finally posting this just in time for my favorite holiday! 💘 Happy Valentine's! 💗💕💕

[saysbruh1]

the most beautiful man ive ever seen

[spaceratprodigy]

*gulp* deacon/iris "please just kiss me" intimacy ask........ NYE party- (i am shot)

@oldworldwidgets — [ intimacy prompts ]

It's in the stars, it's been written in the scars on our hearts

We're not broken, just bent, and we can learn to love again

pose reference

[drones-of-innocence]

One Step Closer

O~o~O

“Well, I won’t keep ya any longer. The countdown is about to start. Let me just say, Mr. Mario, it was a real pleasure to meet you!”

Mario grinned and shook his head. “Please, Felix. Just Mario.” he couldn’t help the nervous laugh that bubbled up. Tension from the whole night trying to fizz up inside him like the spritz in everyone’s champagne flutes. “The pleasure is mine. I would love to get to know you better.”

Felix’s bright eyes shone with wonder under the sweeping, colorful lights. Such a look of pure admiration. Mario was admittedly alarmed by the amount of people who looked at him in such a way that night. Seizing his shoulder, Felix shook his head. “You’re not 'just' anything, Mario. Believe me. You’re one spectacular fella.” he beamed. Then, seeing Mario’s eyes flicker over his shoulder to glance at Sergeant Calhoun laughing over her drink with Princess Peach, he leaned a little closer with a conspiratorial look. “You know, I can see the way you look at her.”

The music began to die down in preparation for the countdown. Mario swallowed hard and blinked at Felix. “Look at who like what?” he choked, heat rising in his face.

With a kind smile, Felix shrugged with one shoulder. The answer was obvious. “She gives ya the honeyglow, don’t she?” he patted Mario’s arm in a brotherly way. Offering his solidarity as he tilted his head in the direction of Sergeant Calhoun. “I felt it myself for my dynamite gal. Still do. It sets you alight, huh?” he asked warmly.

Mario’s throat went dry. Was it really so easy to see right through him? Felix had just met him! The icy grip of panic shot through his veins. Could the Princess see right through him? Oh no. He didn’t have the nerve to try to deny it. With all the dresses and suits floating by, chatting over their drinks, all the eyes stacked up on his back like the precariously balanced hors d’oeuvres carried around on silver platters. “Some���something like that.” he agreed, forcing a big smile when the Princess caught his gaze and waved at him. He managed to wave back, and Felix chuckled. 

“You’re a legend, Mario. Wherever you go, the spotlight follows. It’s a real privilege to know someone like you.” Felix’s more earnest look reminded him to take a deep breath. “I’ll let you be. Happy New Year, my friend.”

His hand left Mario’s shoulder, and he winked before he went to return to his lady. Sergeant Tamora Calhoun, the terrifyingly stylish war hero, who welcomed the embrace of her beloved with a pleased smile. Mario blinked. The pair somehow fit together like two pieces of a completely different puzzle that formed a new and more perfect image together. He let out a sigh. “Happy New Year, Felix.” he said to himself. More couples began to come together throughout the grand hall, headed toward the central attraction.

“Look at you, Superstar!” he jolted at the sudden weight on his arm, and turned to blink up at Princess Peach with wide eyes. “Both of them are just so lovely, aren’t they? He wants your autograph. I think everyone in this room does. How are you handling the spotlight?”

Faced with her sweet smile, Mario couldn’t maintain his own. A small group nearby pointed and squealed at him. “Ahi,” he let out, almost going to rub the back of his head before he remembered the painstaking time he’d put into styling his hair. “It’s…Different,” he admitted.

It never felt any less surprising. He had a reputation. Notoriety. People paid attention to his name. When he’d received the invitation to the New Year’s ball that year alongside Princess Peach, it was determined by a short session of the main Mushroom Kingdom council that it would be best for the pair to attend together, as dates. Much to his surprise. In that case, he and the Princess were to match. The royal tailor drew up several potential options for what he might wear. Luckily, they offered him some agency. They actually quite appreciated his suggestion for a salmon-colored suit, with maroon accents that the Princess could easily correspond with additional accessories to. The sparkles were a little showy, but it suited the occasion well. In the end, the process was fun, and Mario did sincerely enjoy escorting the Princess around the room and meeting so many new people. Her strapless dress really stole the show, even if she insisted that he was the one under the limelight.

She had said he looked “dashing.” That lingering thought hadn’t left his mind, making his chest feel warmer and more tingly than a sip of his martini.

But this wasn’t a proper date, not exactly. This was all a stage, a political display, and nothing more. While that thought injected a cold sting into the occasion, Mario wouldn’t let it waste the night. It was such a privilege to be seen with her, to match, to laugh and make new inside jokes together. And the way she clung to his arm, hardly leaving his side at all despite both of them being pulled away by old friends or fans, made his heart skip a beat.

“Big breath. Raise your glass and act like you’re giving a toast to that group.” she murmured, prompting him gently as she had done all night. She knew how to handle fame and attention. He did as she said, taking in a deep breath and bringing up his glass just as another group waved at them. “Good. Now, imagine I’ve said something mildly amusing to your delicate sensibilities. Like how that man over there looks rather like a grumpy Cheep Cheep.”

Mario had to stop himself from spitting out his drink. “What?” he asked, blinking up at her with wide eyes and trying frantically to hide his grin behind his glass.

Peach beamed. “There’s your winning smile,” she teased, reaching up to touch his face for just a moment. “Now, let’s go or we’ll miss the countdown!”

Oh, right. The object of the occasion. Mario collected himself, still trying not to laugh. And frantically trying to ignore the new heat in his face where she had touched him. He offered his arm to her. Giggling in her sweet manner, Peach accepted his lead. He might as well have been on fire. 

She really did set him alight. Mario searched the growing crowd, but he couldn’t find Felix.

All the glowing colors, the buzz of the room grew with anticipation until it was nearly electric. Still, Mario couldn’t really focus on much besides the Princess who held his arm with such relaxed familiarity. He couldn’t see the countdown; everyone else seemed to tower over him. But it must be getting close. He could hear excited murmurs, secretive whispers, hushed questions. Eyes flickering toward him.

The lights went dark. The crowd was fixed on the center of the room, and then the next moment they were all fixed on himself and the Princess. Mario blinked at everyone’s smiles suddenly facing them. His empty glass was taken by a waiter who disappeared just as fast. Peach pressed in closer, sensing the pressure. “Oh,” she hummed, surprised.

20…

Mario swallowed hard. He could hear pieces of their conversations. “...Kiss? Do you think they will? Isn’t it exciting? I wonder if they’ll kiss?” his eyes widened. 

He looked up at Peach. She looked down at him, equal alarm in her eyes.

15…

The murmured numbers gained volume as more people began to chant the countdown. Mario gulped and went stiff when he realized he could hear the word “kiss!” being softly suggested along with the numbers. 

Everyone was staring at them. Everyone was expecting them to bring in the new year with a kiss. Didn’t they know that he was just her guard? He wasn’t really her date, not like that! Surely, everyone knew. He had thought it was obvious; a plumber like him clearly didn’t belong next to someone like the Princess. Something stuck in his throat. This must be so humiliating for her. He didn’t want to dare to look back up. The heat crawled up his face, the attention coming down on him like blistering sunlight. A bead of sweat formed on his temple.

Peach stood closer still, reaching for his other arm so that they stood together under the attention. Mario didn’t even realize he’d rested his hands on her waist until she got his attention with a gentle squeeze to his shoulder.

10…

He whipped his head up to look into her eyes, ready to jump away from her. However, the Princess had a strangely placid, mysterious regard for him.

It wasn’t distaste, or disgust like he feared. He couldn’t read her at all.

9…

“It’s been a long year, hasn’t it?” she asked him.

Mario blinked. “...What?” he answered, intelligently. “Ehm. Yes.”

8…

She gave a soft smile, but it was the smile that hurt his heart because it somehow looked slightly sad.

7…

“I’m very grateful for you. I want you to know that you’re always the highlight of my day.” Peach smiled and averted her eyes.

6…

Mario’s eyes widened. 

5…! 

He could have sworn he saw her cheeks flush. “You’re so special to me, and to the Kingdom.”

4…!

Her eyes seemed to shimmer under the low lights, bringing him under her trance. “I couldn’t ask for a better guard to have at my side.”

3…!

“So I guess what I’m trying to say is…” Her hands came up to touch his face.

2…!

She leaned down. “Happy New Year, Mario.” she whispered.

1…!

Fireworks. Peach pressed her lips to his. A soft, lingering kiss. The hall erupted with color and life. Deafening cheers. Mario couldn’t hear them. He couldn’t hear anything. Her floral perfume washed over his senses. All he saw were fireworks behind his eyes, like bright flaming bursts in the sky. His heart pounding like explosions. 

He could have sworn he felt her smile into him.

She pulled away, and he had to blink himself out of the night show in his head. Flashing lights. Cameras. Thrilled cheers. Clinking glasses and couples kissing all around. Mario’s face must have been as red as his suit. Peach’s cheeks were about as pink as her dress. 

They stared at one another. Mario couldn’t look away. Colored lights washed over her, the smooth curve of her shoulders and the elegant stretch of her neck. Banners drew up as confetti fell. The music returned, lively and energetic, as the room around began to dance. And they stood so still in the middle of the chaos, as if they were the eye of the storm.

Though, Mario felt like anything but. She kissed him. She kissed him! And it wasn’t like the friendly peck on the cheek she’d usually offer after rescuing her. No, there was intent behind this kiss. He realized he hadn’t let go of her waist.

Her hands were still on his face. Her thumb traced his cheek. Her piercing blue eyes fell away from his. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.” she spoke in a low voice, only for him to hear.

He had to will himself out of his stiffened state. “N—no. It’s okay.”

There was no way he would be able to explain that he’d never had a New Year’s kiss before. Or that he was so deeply in love with her that her kiss had ignited a wildfire inside of him that he wasn’t sure could ever be quelled. He wasn’t sure if it was pleasant, or if it hurt. 

The attention still fell on them. Both of them had forced, plastered smiles.

Of course. It was for the crowd. That was all.

They were there to entertain, and nothing more. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, hoping he didn’t sound like he was in pain. 

Peach nodded. “I would love to,” she agreed quickly.

He drew up her arm to rest on his shoulder, and adjusted his hand that rested delicately on her waist. They interlaced their fingers with the same shy grasp. He held her close and they swayed in time with the sprightly music. He didn’t want to look into her eyes; he was afraid of what he might find if he stared too long. They had practiced the steps so many times that he didn’t even have to think about it. He missed those sessions. Her laughter and smile were never strained. 

They moved so naturally together. He wondered if she could feel it, too, or if she was ruminating in her head. 

Through the buzz of the crowd, the attention having finally shed off their backs, he spotted Felix and Calhoun again. Lost in one another. A private conversation. Felix was pressing Calhoun’s hand against his cheek, and he turned his face to kiss her palm. 

His eyes flickered up and caught Mario’s. He grinned, and made a motion with an invisible glass for a toast. Calhoun shot him a knowing grin.

A blazing impulse welled up within him. Perhaps it was the liquid courage, or just his own intrepid venture. Mario thoughtfully turned Peach’s dainty hand over in his own, observing the way they fit together. His gloved hand was so much larger than hers. The way she clasped him felt intrinsic. He wondered if one day, they could be like that reformed puzzle that Felix and Calhoun were. Two mismatched pieces finding a home in one another. He ran his thumb over her knuckles, before bringing her hand close to his face.

He glanced up at her, daring to look into her eyes. “Happy New Year, my Princess.” he murmured, and pressed her knuckles to his lips. A tiny kiss.

Peach parted her lips and took a sharp breath in, staring with wide eyes. Her cheeks flushed a lovely rosy shade. And she smiled, more radiant than any fireworks or flashing lights. When he pulled away, she was the one to renew her grip on his hand. 

They shifted one step closer. She didn’t let go of him for the rest of the night.

O~o~O

The Mario household lay in a quiet stillness at 3:27am, only briefly interrupted by some clattering before all fell silent again.

Clean dishes stacked in the kitchen. A blanket thrown haphazardly over the couch. Luigi came out of his room, rubbing his eyes, and discovered a glittery suit jacket across the arms of a chair, and, upon further inspection, his brother laying on the floor. 

Bowtie loosened. Dress shirt untucked. A hand running through his already disheveled hair. An anxious habit of his.

Wordlessly, Luigi came to sit beside his fallen brother, hugging his robe around himself. 

Mario shook his head, muttering to himself without opening his eyes. He let out a long, heavy sigh. While this was typical behavior for his buzzed brother, who’d probably had his share of martinis as his drink of choice, Luigi raised his eyebrows when he noticed a distinctive swatch of pink across his brother’s lips.

He bit back a smile. “Un bacio?” he asked. A kiss?

Mario groaned and dragged his palms down his face. “I don’t know.” he mumbled, muffled into his hands.

Ah. Luigi nodded sympathetically, seeing the crease Mario’s brow. He patted Mario’s chest. “A heart that hurts is a heart that beats,” he reminded him softly. Something their mother used to say.

Watching the Princess and his brother dance around their feelings could be painful. But if Mario was really overthinking a direct kiss like that, he imagined it would be okay, eventually. But in the meantime, his brother would be hurting. No matter what he did, in his goofy head, he would never be good enough for Peach. But Luigi saw the way she looked at him, too. If only their feelings weren’t such a mystery to each other.

At least it seemed they were one step closer to knowing.

O~o~O

Inspired by @elitadream's gorgeous New Year's post! I also had One Step Closer by U2 playing on repeat while I wrote this 😆

Here's to the new year 🥂 Whether this is a moment of resolved change for you, a step toward growth or greater happiness, or even just another evening, I wish you all the best! 💖✨

[justarandomgirly]

Red white and royal blue (2023)