As soon as I opened my eyes I knew it would be difficult to keep my new year's resolution. This is not something I wanted for new years. I guess. I push myself up from the bed and sit up.

"You want some coffee?" I'm quite sure my brain's messing with me. I heard those words wrong, didn't I? He just asked me if I wanted his body? He wasn't looking at me until now. It's been a few seconds and I haven't answered him yet.

He looks at me "huh- What?"

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Yeah, sure. I.... I'll get it myself." I stand up, and what I didn't see coming is the head rush that hits me like a ducking bull dozer. I miss the next few steps and get hold of the chair, where Trae was sitting.

He wasn't aware of my fall until my fingers touched his bare back while trying to hold the chair.

Yes.

He was sitting there.

In the morning.

Without a shirt.

Exposing that 'ripped as hell' body.

And not having even a clue!!! That it's driving me crazyyyy!

Trae turns around in a flash and holds my wrist "what the-? Are you okay?"

"Yeah yeah I am" Oh! I'm so not!

I get myself together and walk towards the washroom. I close the door and rest my forehead on it. Why did you do this Cora? Why on earth did you choose to get drunk last night? Of all the other days in my entire life, stupid stupid me chooses to get drunk on a 31st night.

I walk in front of the mirror and take a look at myself in it. After I've brushed my teeth I decide to take a shower. I usually don't shower this early in the morning but I just suddenly feel the need to wash myself. I don't know why but I want to wash the memories away. The feelings away. Whatever it is, I want it to end.

I step inside the bathtub after I've filled it with lukewarm water. As soon as I close my eyes. Everything about last night starts to come back. I shut my eyes as hard as I could and splash water in my face. But it doesn't stop.

Flashback to last night....

I really really really wish this works. It's probably not such a good idea but I just want it to work. There's nothing else that I could've done in such a short time. And Tessa needs this really badly.

It's been 4 days since she hasn't come out of her room. I've tried calling her, showing up at her place, but she just won't answer anyone. I did leave her plenty of voice mails and audio messages. Telling her that things are gonna be alright. But I can't really feel what she's feeling.

Jack and Cicely decided to split up and sort things out. They're not getting a divorce right away. But they're gonna stay apart for the rest of the season.

Tessa finally decided to talk to me last night. She needs to get it out. Whatever she's feeling she needs to tell someone about it, I've always known this for a fact that Tessa does not deal very well with surprises.

And somehow she came to know about her parent's separation just after Christmas. Last night she stayed over at my house. Tessa kept crying most of the night. After a while she did fall asleep and so did I.

I heard her whipping in the middle of the night again. I hugged her and asked her to say it out loud. She needs to let it all out. "Why are they doing this? I've seen my parents yell at each other before. They can just yell at each other again. And sort everything out!" I want to tell her that things don't always resolve after yelling.

But I can't so I tell her that "I know.... This isn't fair."

"It's just so wrong Cora, I can't" She starts crying again. "We had such an amazing holiday. It's because of that asshole. I know it. I just-"

"You're saying that, why?"

"I heard him talking to mom. He was telling her that she has to stop doing it. She needs to let dad know! I just hate him. So so much Cora. I can't even look at his face. I'll never forgive him for what he did to mom and dad. And this family."

I haven't always known Trae very well. He stays distant. Even during the holidays Tessa's family and my family sometimes get dinner together. He just answers any question that he's asked, and doesn't initiate a word.

I've seen him being all brotherly around Tessa in the school. He graduated from school a few years ago. "But, you know he's your brother Tessa. You sure, he's the right person to blame for your parent's separation?"

"Yes Cora, yes. I know."

"Alright. Whatever it is.... Tell me what I need to do. Anything. To get your mind off of this." She lays down and sighs. I want her to tell me what I can do, I know she feels helpless. She feels the pain, the sorrow, the heart ache and there's nothing she can do to make it stop. "There's nothing you can do about it, so you just need to focus on something else."

"I don't know. I just- I need a big distraction. I'm so tired of crying all day." I could tell that she was tired of crying all day. Feeling that nag in the stomach and not being able to do anything about it. It was driving her crazy.

Jack was here this morning. He told mom that Tessa and Trae are going to stay here for the rest of the season. At my place. I have to say I'm glad. I can help her get it out of her mind. I can keep her engaged with different things.

I called Robb, Tessa's boyfriend. He'll gladly help me do this for her. Like she said, she needs a distraction. And what's a better distraction than a welcome party. Mom and dad are not gonna be home. They're going to dad's office party. It's just gonna be me, Tessa and Robb.

I arranged all the games that we'll be playing, the place looks pretty, and I made a banner with 'Welcome aboard!' written in it. I've arranged cookies, chips, popcorn, a bottle of vodka, few bottles of beer. I hung those glittery strings all around the room.

A few balloons are lying across the floor. These balloons took a lot more time than I expected. I've laid a rug on the floor and a whole bunch of cushions. The place looks perfect for a fun cozy winter night. It's been a minute since I've texted Robb to bring her back.

I asked him to take her out for the evening. It's 5:10pm. They went out at around 4:30. I go to the kitchen to bring the plates and glasses. When I hear some noises from my room. I keep the plate back on the kitchen slab, pull out a knife and a fork from the drawer. And walk up stairs.

I make absolutely no sound while going up. The closer I get to my room I hear the shower running. I reach the door of my room and it stops. I slowly open the door and hear my bathroom door unlock. Great. I'm gonna see the thief naked.

At least I know he'll not be weaponized. I'll easily tackle him down. But then he probably didn't take anything. Should I go easy on him? Dude was taking a shower, would be rude if I just go and tackle him down, since he didn't take anything.

I open the door and stand still after I see the person standing before me. Tall guy, wet brown hair. Beautiful broad shoulder, strong chest that almost looks like a shield. That v thingy on his waist. Do I want to see below that? What is this weird thing I feel inside my stomach? He has a towel wrapped around his waist. I'm looking at his towel.

"Cora. Heyy...." I don't answer him. I heard him. I should answer him, but I'm looking at his abs. They are un-freaking-real. I gulp. "Uh.... so.... I used your bathroom. I hope that's fine." Okay, I should really answer him now.

"Yeah.... You're fine." WHAT?! "I mean, you're fine using- It's Fine! You can use the bathroom." He nods. Why do I feel this? He's not even looking at me and I can't take my eyes away from him.

His arms, and back are just breath-taking. And I literally mean that, I couldn't breathe for the first few seconds. He has turned the other way and is using his phone. I'm still standing here like an idiot. I want to ask him if his body is real. How have I never noticed Trea?

"How did you get in? I didn't notice you coming in."

"Yeah, your father gave me the key to the back door, he said that you guys were having some kind of party.... So it's better that I don't disturb you guys" I nod "also I'm pretty sure that the party would be ruined with my" he scoffs "presence."

A sudden feeling of punch in my heart. He's telling the truth. Tessa would be upset with his mere presence in the house. I want to tell him to not be upset about Tessa and that she's going through a lot and is not thinking logically. But that feels like betraying her. Tessa's my best friend and I can't do that behind her back. As much as this upsets me as well.

Tessa's brother is a few years older than us. I was 14 or 15 when he graduated highschool. He's handling things differently. Not that I don't believe Tessa, but whatever she's saying about her brother and mother's conversation might just be misinterpreted.

The thought of asking Trea about that conversation did cross my mind but I assumed this isn't the right time. Also why would he even tell me. He's already in a lot of pain. I clearly heard it in his voice. Whatever it is that Tessa thinks, it's not possible that he would want his parents to separate. He's clearly dealing with his own issues about Jake and Cecily's separation.

"Trea" he turns around and his eyes meet mine. He has always been there, around whenever I visit Tessa at her place, I often see him walk around. But his eyes never meet mine. And I never felt this electricity I'm feeling now. His stare feels like it's touching my soul. "It's not your fault Trea."

He sighs, steps forward "you don't know that Cora-h"

Cora-h

I feel like melting.

Why is it like this with him? It's my name. I've heard other people say this before. Never felt this tickle in my stomach before. His voice is tired, sad and maybe slightly angry. He hasn't moved his eyes from me. Neither have I. I suddenly have the urge to hold his face. Our gaze is interrupted by the ring of my phone.

I take in a sharp breath and step out of the room. (Incoming call from Robb) flashes up on the screen, I pick it up. I don't look back. They must have arrived. I arrange the plates and glasses from the kitchen. Look around the room one last time.

"Perfect"

"What in the WORLDDDD!!!" Tessa screams as soon as she sees the whole arrangement. She approaches me and I prepare myself for the world's tightest hug. I open my arms and we hug, she pulls back then goes to Robb to give him a kiss.

We sat down. Tessa serves the pizza and Robb pours the drinks. We play cards, bitch about a few classmates, play monopoly and finally never have I ever.

"Never have I ever peed in a pool" Robb says that knowing everyone has to drink on this. So we do.

"Never.... Have I ever.... Drunk texted my dad"

"AYEE! Tessa this isn't fair! you're making me drink purposefully!" She laughs so hard that she falls on Robb's lap. I take a sip. They yell at me for not taking a proper drink. So I do. We go a few more rounds like that. Where they purposefully make me drink every round.

I feel my arms and body loosening up. My words are a little blurred. It's a new round. "Never have I ever had a crush on a senior."

"Oh come on!! Everyone had a crush on seniors." I take another big sip and those two take small ones "aye! You guys are cheaping.... Take big sips" they do. Few more of these rounds and I feel my skin slightly burning. Or maybe something inside my skin. I feel warm. And it's January.

I lay down for a couple of minutes, I can still hear them playing never have I ever. They are talking about some weird shit. Robb in his sloppy voice says "never have I ever.... Been under the sheets with Tessa" they both giggle. I hear them slurp slurp the drink and giggle again.

Ugh. I turn around and place a pillow on my ears, "ughh, you guys are gross" they hear me and laugh, then shush each other, Tessa tells Robb not to laugh because I'm sleeping. Well, news flash! I'm not sleeping. I slowly get up "aye, I'm going to pee"

I walk upstairs to my room. Gohd I feel dizzy. I hold the wall for support, drag myself upstairs and finally reach my door. I open my eyes wider but there's still blurriness in my eyes. After rubbing my eyes twice or thrice I try to locate the lock and push it open. It doesn't open so I bang on the door. It still doesn't open. I sigh and sit down on the floor, rest my head on the door and suddenly feel like slipping backwards.

I look above my head, the door has opened a little and a tall, pretty looking dude is looking down at me. I hold the door, and it's lock for support and stand up. I'm half way up when the pretty lookin' man holds my arms and pulls me up. "You drunk?"

"Shhh" I shush him. How the hell did he know? "Move, I wanna pee" he opens the door further and lets me in. after I've finished peeing I come out of the room to head down stairs. I'm almost there when I see and maybe even hear Tessa and Robb kissing and giggling. They need privacy. I don't ask them to get a room because they are already in the living room.

I go back inside and lay down on my bed. Pretty boy is sitting on the bean bag. I look at him for a while. "Oye! I know you! You're Tessa's brother! Trea Lawson." I mimic his voice. He smiles and nods.

"That bad huh?"

"What?! Nooh noo, I remember you. In fact I remember thinking.... that you're hot, when I saw you in the room earlier. You know how you had those abs thingies. I don't have them." I lift up my hoodie to confirm. Yep no abs. "See, nothing."

I look at him and find him staring at my exposed skin. Which by the way I voluntarily exposed. "How much did you drink?" Man his voice is heavy. Why does that make my stomach tickle?

"I don't know. Those idiots were cheaping- uh- cheating. They were saying stuff they know I've done."

"Mmhhm, is that why you didn't go back downstairs?"

"Noh.... they're making out. They were even talking about getting into the sheets." I look at him and see his eyes getting bigger. He's still looking at his phone. Oh right. Tessa's his sister. "Don't worry, Robb's a nice guy."

"I know, or else he wouldn't be in the same room with my little sister"

"Huh. I always knew you were protective. I'd love someone protective like you. I always looked out for myself, you know. It feels good to know that someone has my back even in my absence."

"Like a brother?"

"Nope. nope. Like a never-have-I-ever-been-under-the-same-sheets protective." he's silent for a while. I don't look at him, he doesn't look at me either. But I know how to get his attention. I slowly crawl down from my bed and I make absolutely no sound. Once I'm close enough to him. I go near his ears. Sweet mother of Cora! He smells so good. "AYEE!" he slowly turns to me. His beautiful amber eyes smothering my skin.

"Yes?"

"What are you doing?"

"What?" He looks truly confused. Phfft, acting like he doesn't know.

"Looking so pretty. And hawt. You can't do this to me. Not when I can't make you feel the same."

A smile curves up by the corner of his lips "who said you can't?" I sit down and rest my head on the side of the bean bag. He moves his arms so that I can keep my arms comfortably. "Cora."

"Yes?"

"You should go, sleep. I'll leave the room once Tessa is back in her room. She's probably still downstairs with Robb, I don't wanna spoil whatever little joy she's feeling."

"Okay.... I'll go. I know I'm not the best fish in the sea. I've heard it before." He brings around his hand and cups my chin. I look up at him. His sharp facial features make me wanna cry. Because he's too handsome to be with me. He leans closer and plants a kiss on my nose. The fractions of seconds where his lips were on my skin, it felt so strange.

Good strange. Warm in my heart. Cold in my spine. Comforting but nervous. And I loved every bit of it. "You don't know what it takes. For me to keep myself from wrapping you in my arms and having those lips inside my mouth every time I see you. You have no idea what it took for me to not touch your skin when you lifted your sweatshirt."

I hear him say those things and I completely lose myself, all my strength to oppose my emotions or whatever this feeling is that I'm feeling right now and I go ahead. I flip in a flash and climb on the bean bag with my hands pushing me to his level. I grab his face and our lips collide. I know it wouldn't have been possible without alcohol.

And honestly I'm not gonna regret it. He pulls back "Cora-h" Cora-h! "You're not in your right mind. I can't do this."

"Don't don't do it. In fact, you're not doing it. I'm doing it. I'm kissing you. So just shut up and let me kiss you" he looks at me and pulls me over him. He places me right in front of him. 

His hands are on my chest, he's looking at my neck, my colour bones and my chest. He slowly leans in kiss. I feel his lips on my colour bones, they are so soft, I close my eyes when I feel his tongue.  

He pulls back again, we get up he moves me to the other side. My back is now against the wall. He holds my hands above my head and pins it to the wall "You're ruining me Cora-h." His breath is heavy and shaky. I smile at the thought that he wants to do this as much as I want to. "Kiss me." He commands

I think my vagina just skipped a heartbeat. I kiss him. He sucks my lips like he has never tasted anything better before. I try to lower my hands from his grip but it's really firm. "Am I hurting you?"

"No...."

"Then stay." 

"But I- I wanna feel you" I tell him with my sloppy voice "you have those abs thingy...."

I feel him smile against my mouth "that's not fair Cora, I don't get to feel you"

"You can."

"I would've if you weren't drunk." He lets go of my arms and I slid my hands up his shirt. His one and is wrapped around my jaw and the other travels down my stomach and wraps around my waist. 

He pulls me closer. By breast are pressed against his strong chest Just when I hear the door open. We both pull away. I look over Trea's shoulder. And this time I actually feel the butterflies in my stomach committing suicide.

Tessa's eyes meet mine, then goes back to Trea. And back to me. By now it's filled with tears. She's standing at the door frame. I see her take in a deep-sharp breath and walk out without a word. I get up. Walk to my bed and bury my face in my hands then lay down. 

I hear Trea get up, I look at him walk back and forth in the room. He looks at me and turns around. He runs his hand through his hair. 

After a few more seconds of regretful silence he come close to me. He leans in and kisses my head.

I watch him walk out of the room. I can't clearly see him because my eyes are blurred with tears. The look on Tessa's face has caused a permanent knot in my throat. I want to cry and scream and cough but I feel like nothing's gonna get it out.

I know how much Tessa's going through. I know that it rips her apart knowing that the two people who loved each other once and brought her to this world, have grown apart. They have grown apart from each other and from their family. Tessa feels that they have grown apart from Tessa too.

And there's an actual possibility that Trea's responsible for this separation. Jesus! What have I done.

I look at my mobile screen. It's 11: 58 PM. I close my eyes shut and feel the guilt and pain gulping me down. The warm tears roll down my skin and I feel it like spikes on my skin. I feel like I betrayed Tessa. Her trust. This friendship. I risked it all for that one moment. One brief moment of euphoric joy.

This won't happen again. Ever. I make a promise. A resolution to myself. I'll never ever lay eyes on Trea. No matter how much it tears me apart. How much it kills me to not be able to touch him again. It was another drunken mistake. Tessa will understand. She'll understand that I get really sloppy and stupid and irresponsible when I'm drunk. And that it was a huge mistake.

I know she'll blame Trea for this. But she'll hate me for it. I don't want either of those things to happen. I'm gonna keep this promise by hook or by crook. This will be my only resolution to keep this new year.

"I. Won't. Fall. For. Trea Lawson. Ever."

I close my eyes and my body gives up.

Present day....

I come out of the washroom and I see Trea walking out. I want to call him but I don't. He hears me come out and turns around. He's been abnormally normal. Not stressed at all. Maybe that's how it is for him. It doesn't really matter if he kisses a girl. I was way too young when he was in high school. I wouldn't have known if he was a playboy.

He walks towards me and I get stiff. I don't make eye contact because I might cry if I look him in the eyes. I want to know if that's how it is for him. If he didn't feel anything last night. I want to ask him about us. About the kiss about everything I've thought so far since this year has begun.

"Are you okay?" AM I??!! No I'm not sir!

"Excuse me?"

"Are you okay? You seem worried. Are you feeling okay?" I'm actually not. I'm suffering from this disease called 'stresstration' . I'm stressed about Tessa seeing us making out. And I'm frustrated that there's nothing I can do about it. And I'm kinda mad at Trea for being this way.

"You're being serious right now? I mean at least have the decency to be honest with me. Even if this is a little too normal for you. It might not be for everyone else." I walk really fast to my bed and sit down. If I'm too close to him I might even hit him. "It might be normal for the girls you usually hook up with. But I'm not as desperate and pathetic as you think. I'm not gonna cry over you" I might "I'm not gonna give you a shit load of calls" I don't have your number "and I'm not gonna plead you or even ask you to be with me" this I won't "you, Trea Lawson can, GO. TO. HELL."

"Wait wait.... What was all that about?" I gasp and take a few steps back " Cora trust me I have no idea. What girls? Hooked up with whom?"

"With ME!!!" His lips are making a tiny O and he's about to say something but it looks like he's stuck. "Are you on drugs? Or do you have that memory problem Dori had?"

"Listen. You're friends with my little sister. And I'm trying to be nice here. Don't play with me, tell me what happened last night." I'm confused. I don't know what's happening. Even though I was drunk I remember that it was him. I remember touching him. I remember his scent.

I move even closer and I'm about to risk everything once again. I hold his hands and cup my face. He smells nice. But it's not the same smell as tomorrow. But it's still very sweet. "We kissed last night. You and I. It was magnificent."

He looks at me for a while then withdraws his hands. "You seriously shouldn't drink." I look at him with nothing but shock. "You must have dreamt this. I wasn't home till after midnight. Last night I saw you here after my shower. You went downstairs and I left for a party."

Did I? Really? "You're kidding."

He takes me and asks me to sit on my bed. He kneels down. "Listen. It's not that uncommon. We often dream about people we barely know. And trust me dreams sometimes feel more real than reality itself. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." I nod. I just nod. And I stop. That's all I do. Because that's all I can do.

I don't want to believe him. Because everything would be good if I believed him. But then I don't want yesterday to be a dream, I want it to be very very real. It's weird to even think that I actually want to feel the pain.

My phone flashes up with a text. (One unread text from Tessa)

Tessa: HAAPPYY NEEWW YEAARR!!! He's telling the truth. I can almost hear my heart crack into pieces. *laughing emojis. lol I'm literally texting you from down stairs.

Cora: Happy neww yearrr!!! I still wanna be sure yesterday night was soooooo needed.

Tessa: 100000% True! But I have the worst headache. Come to the kitchen, I'll make coffee. It is true. Trea left right after the text. This was all just a dream. Man.... How I wish that dream to come true. Apart from Tessa entering the room part.

I go downstairs. And sit on the couch. Tessa comes out of her room. She goes to the counter and starts to pour coffee. "Hey Cora"

"Yeah"

"You know... last night I had the weirdest dream of all time." No kidding. She starts to laugh "I dreamt that you were making out with Trea" I don't even know what to feel. I force up a smile.

"That's pure bullshit."

"I know! I mean you would never do it to me. That to Trea?! Im-freaking-possible." I wish Tessa. I really wish. All I know is that whatever Trea did has kept Tessa and my friendship from going down the drain. I'm gonna be eternally thankful to him for that.

And it seems like my resolution won't fail after all. I'm actually gonna keep my promise.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N

Here's another one guys! I have to say writing these shirt romance stories are really fun. I have decided to make make this a trilogy as well. I finished this story within a lot less time than I expected. 

I hope you liked it I've had a lot of fun writing it, and I'll keep writing more of these.. 

Thank you so much @CoffeeCommunity for this amazing prompt.