The new year

After taking a break on the balcony, Jenny returned to join the other guests at the other side of the room. Over there they had a huge balcony, as large as normal living room, where they could watch the new years fireworks. Considering the weather, heaters were placed all around and special transparent wind screens had been placed at the sides. This would ensure that everyone could watch the show that was planned at midnight, without compromising the comfort of the guests. The heaters had been turned on half an hour before the show, so that when the guests actually stepped outside, the difference with inside was barely noticeable. Once she had found Jason, who had been standing by the side of the French doors leading to the balcony, she buried herself in his arms for a bit of extra warmth.

She had been standing on the unheated balcony for a bit too long and had gotten a bit chilly despite Jason's jacket covering her. Jason looked down at the petite creature embracing him, who was drowning in his jacket that was way too big for her and smiled down gently, much to the annoyance of the other young women that had been trying to get his attention all evening. He was pleasantly surprised at how her boundaries were slowly fading and what she would once not even consider, was now done so casually. He put his arms around Jenny and whispered, "You are just in time. Did you get recharged enough?" Jenny shook her head and like a spoiled, clingy girlfriend said, "That was just a break, recharging can only be done like this." And tightened her grip around Jason's waist. Jason chuckled and ruffled her hair gently. Even words like this, could be said so naturally. Before he wouldn't be able to get her to say such words in private, let alone in a filled room.

At the front, someone had started counting down and waiters were walking around to hand everyone a glass of champagne to sound in the new year. For the people who were underage or didn't drink, there was sparkling cider that looked just like champagne and could make them feel included. "...three, two, one, happy new year!" At this moment everyone kissed their partner, clinked their glasses and wished each other a happy new year. Jenny was of course not exempted from this tradition as Jason had lifted her face by her chin to plant a kiss on her lips. Though this was a bit much for Jenny, she took it better than Jason had expected. She responded slightly startled, her cheeks flushed and she looked around the room. When she saw that everyone was doing the same and weren't paying attention to them, she turned back to face him and said, "Happy new year. Take care of me this year as well." Before flashing him a beaming smile. Making his heart skip a beat, before smiling gently down at her and replying. "Happy new year to you as well. I look forward to another year of happy trouble and love filled teasing." And ended his words with a wink. Earning him a soft laughter from Jenny.

He tightened his grip, pushing Jenny close to his body once more as he looked into the distance and thought to himself, 'When did she become even cuter. This woman is going to make me lose my mind before long. When did she become so fine with all of this. It's going to make me think that it is okay to take things a step further even though it's clear she has no clue what kind of message she is sending me. Uch...' Meanwhile the unsuspecting Jenny was smiling contently in his arms as she was stealing his body warmth and was taking in his scent that she loved so much. Not letting go until it was time for them to extend their new year wishes to their friends and the other guests. Their friends had witnessed the scene between them as well and first planned to wait for them to stop hugging before coming to wish them a happy new year as well, but Jenny seemed perfectly at ease in Jason's arms. So, they hid their surprise and walked up to them and acted like normal as they gave each of them a hug or handshake. In their minds they seemed to all be thinking the same thought. They were all glad that Jason's hard work at getting Jenny used to his touch over the past months, even in public spaces, had finally payed off. They could still clearly remember their vacation together, where Jenny had been so awkward about everything. But even so, they said nothing and pretended this was normal behavior for her to prevent Jenny from becoming self conscious once more. If they did that, Jason would never let them off.

After the the firework show lasting almost thirty minutes, where no expense was spared, had finished and the guests had enjoyed a glass of champagne and all their new year greetings were extended, the guests slowly started leaving. Once all the guests had left and they had said goodbye to their friends, Jason and Jenny wished Stephen and Susan a good night and returned to their room. Once they changed into their sleepwear they let themselves fall on the bed. Jenny felt like her whole body could finally relax and felt the sleepiness rush over her, but Jason didn't seem ready to sleep just yet. He suddenly brought up her birthday, that was only a few days away at this point. She had almost thought that he had forgotten about it, just like everyone else seemed to have, when she heard him say, "Hey...It's almost your birthday. I know you might have other plans, but I wanted to ask if we could spend your birthday with just the two of us. I spent my first birthday into our relationship alone with you and and I would like it if we could spend your birthday in the same way. What do you say?" Though Jason said this, he knew she didn't have any other plans as he had made sure of that. So, her answer came as no surprise. "Sure, I have no other plans. So, let's do that." Before she dozed off completely without even getting under the sheets. Jason chuckled at how she was able to sleep like that and so fast before lifting her up gently, getting her under the covers and falling asleep as well while holding her in his arms.