"Ten minutes until it hits midnight!" Rocky Blue announced excitedly, clapping her hands together a few times. She stood in the middle of CeCe Jones's apartment and gazed at her friends that were gathered around her, including CeCe, Ty, Tinka, Gunther, Deuce, and Alana.  "Is everyone ready?"

Alana grinned around at her own friends as they all cheered. She couldn't believe that she could ring in the New Year with the ones who became the most important people in her life. She never thought she would be friends with CeCe and Rocky since they were basically celebrities after dancing every week on Shake It Up, Chicago!, but here they were, enjoying time together. Though, she couldn't quite stand Gunther and Tinka Hessenheffer, she was happy to be right where she was. 

"I cannot believe this year is almost over," Gunther said, lounging on the red couch. He didn't look interested in their New Year's Eve celebrations, saying earlier that they had better traditions in the Old Country, whatever that meant. Alana didn't care because she was having too much fun, watching the Rockin' New Year's Eve special and playing board games with the group. "It feels like it just begun."

"This year has dragged on and on," Ty said, rolling his eyes. "I'm glad it's over."

Alana found herself distracted when she noticed Deuce laughing at what Ty just said. He had the brightest look on his face, and his eyes held all that happiness in them. She loved looking at his eyes because they always showed what he was feeling, and whenever she was around, it was happiness. He always inspired her to look on the bright side of things, even when he was complaining about his crazy family or the scheme that Ty wanted him to participate in. She loved that about him. She loved everything about him.

She had always had a crush on Deuce ever since they first met as children in school, but she was only lucky enough to be his friend. That used to give her enough happiness and was enough for her because they had spent a lot of time together. But now, it wasn't enough. She wanted to know if he felt the same for her. She wanted to know what it would feel like to have his arms wrapped around her body. She wanted to know --

"Alana, are you even listening to us?" CeCe asked, waving a hand in front of her face. Alana blinked a few times and turned her attention to CeCe, Rocky, and Tinka, who were all suddenly standing in front of her. CeCe and Rocky looked like they knew where her mind had gone while Tinka had a glare on her face. "We were just talking about our New Years resolutions. Do you have any?"

"Oh," she said, her cheeks growing warm, "I don't really do New Years resolutions."

"Aw, come on, Alana!" Deuce said from his spot on the couch. He had scooted far away from Gunther, probably remembering the time they bet over arm wrestling. Deuce lost almost all his clothes that night, and she had to pick him up with one of her fluffy robes. "Just come up with one!"

"Fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "My New Years resolution is to . . ." Deuce started drumming against his thighs, and everyone else followed suit. She hated being the center of attention, so she quickly said, "My New Years resolution is to listen to my heart."

"Aw, that's cute!" CeCe said, clasping her hands at her heart. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you were only thinking of the homework you didn't want to do," Rocky said, laughing. "That's a great idea, Alana. I love it."

"Hey, guys," Flynn said as he strolled into the living room with the rest of them. His usually swooped hair was all mussed up as if he had been sleeping before. The look on CeCe's face told Alana that he should still have been sleeping. "What's up?"

"Uh, Flynn, you need to be in bed," CeCe said, putting her hands on his shoulders and slowly pushing him back down the hall. "It's way too late for you."

"I want to celebrate with everyone!" Flynn yelled. "Ty, help me!"

"Little Man, listen to your sister," Ty said without looking up from his phone. "It's late, and I'm sure Ms. Jones wants you to be well-rested."

"Mom told me I could stay up, though."

"Just let him stay up with us," Alana said, feeling bad. She remembered being told to go to bed when she was younger, hearing how her older siblings and parents celebrated without her. "There's only two minutes before New Years, so . . ."

Flynn grinned up at his sister, and she sighed. "Fine," she said, letting go of his shoulders. He ran out into the living room, jumping onto the couch next to Gunther. Alana moved over to the yellow barstools, sliding into one. Deuce made his way over to her as CeCe said, "But, if you annoy me or my friends, you're going to your room."

"I'm never annoying," Flynn said. 

"Um, whatever you say," Rocky said, snorting. 

"This is taking too long," Gunther whined. He sat forward on the couch, a weird look on his face. "I am tired, and Tinka and I still have to get home after this."

"Your apartment is literally down the road," Deuce said beside Alana. "I have to go all the way to my house!"

"So do I," Alana said. "Deuce and I can walk you guys' home later."

"No, thanks," Tinka said with a huff. "We will be fine."

Deuce and Alana shared a grin, and he said, "Whatever you say, Tinka."

"Guys," Rocky said, butting into the conversation, "we have a minute left!"

Around her, Alana's friends started counting down the time as each of them stood up from their seats. She found herself looking over at Deuce, and he smiled at her brightly. She returned the smile even though her heart suddenly started beating rapidly against her chest at the sight. She stood up, and he did too. 

All around Alana, her friends started counting down, but Alana didn't join in. Her heart beat erratically against her chest as she turned to face Deuce. "Since it's the New Year now and I want to start on listening to my heart," Alana said, taking Deuce by the hand, "I need to tell you something."

"What?" he asked nervously.

"I've liked you for so long, Deuce, and I can't hold it in any longer. You're what I think about when I wake up, and you're the last person on my mind when I go to sleep. I don't know --"

"I like you, too!" Deuce said loudly. Alana's cheeks heated up as Ty wolf whistled at the two of them from his spot on the couch. She couldn't believe that they were all listening on their conversation. "I like you, too," Deuce said, quieter this time, making it seem like he was only talking to her. "That's why I approached you when we were little. I thought -- and still think -- you're the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

Alana grinned nervously just as the rest of their friends started cheering. It must be midnight. Deuce reached out and tugged her into a hug, but she quickly pulled away and pressed her lips against his. The cheering grew louder, but she didn't care. She and Deuce liked each other, and what better way to get together than with a New Years kiss?