Semi-edited!

HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to MillaISN for helping me get over my writing hump! You helped with this chapter so much, so thank you!!!!!! <3 <3

This cover was made for me and I love it!! Isn't it so beautiful!?!?! <3

Song above is...Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute. Fits so perfectly!!

READ AUTHORS NOTE AT THE END!!!

Happy Reading!! :)

"Why did I agree with this?"

"Because you are an idiot."

"Thanks for reminding me Luke." Gage muttered.

"Stop whining. I am almost done." I scolded. I grabbed his wrist so he would stop moving hand. He was messing up my paint job.

"Dude you really shouldn't have agreed to this. I know my sister, she will make sure you regret accepting to do whatever she wants." Luke commented once more. He was leaning against my desk with his arms crossed over his chest, watching us. He couldn't help but make comments every now and then.

"I'm realizing that."

I grinned as I finished up what I was doing. Because Gage said he would do whatever I wanted to get back on my good side, I was doing one of his many punishments. Painting his nails. He said he doesn't like it but I bet he secretly does. I was even trying my best to paint his nails perfectly.

I was nice enough to let him pick out a color, which of course ended up being black. I didn't want them to plain so I grabbed a sparkly red I had and got to work. Just to do one hand has taken me about 15 minutes and only because Gage kept moving and complaining. It would have taken me 5 minutes but no he had to be difficult.

"Carter I don't want to do this." He once again complained.

"Too late. I only have one nail left to do." I rolled my eyes at him.

"You are taking too long!"

"I wouldn't have taken so long if you would stop moving!"

He grumbled under his breath as I finished the last design I decided to throw in at the last minute. Luke decided to talk to Gage as I finished up. I was so focused on what I was doing I didn't even hear a word they said.

"Done!" I exclaimed and dropped the toothpick I had. "Now you can look." I leaned back with a proud grin on my face. I decided that instead of just doing a plain black nail I mixed it up.

All of Gage's nails were done in black expect two that I left plain. On top of the black I put a thin layer of sparkly red to make them pop a bit more. Then to make it more Gage like, I added skulls on his ring fingers-the plain black ones. The skulls are what took the longest but they looked pretty good, considering I hand drew them on him.

(Doesn't this scream Gage if he was a girl? :D :D)

I sat there watching him look at his freshly painted nails. I held back a laugh at how weird it looked for him to have them painted but of course he somehow made it look good.

"So, what do you think?" I asked after a minute of silence. Even Luke came over to see what I had done.

"Okay even I have to admit they look really cool." Luke said, staring down at Gage's hands.

"Thought you would like a skull to make it more 'manly'."

"They look...pretty damn cool." Gage finally said. He looked at me with a smile on his face. I couldn't tell if he was being serious or not but it didn't matter.

"Luke, are you next?" I asked grinning.

"No, thank you. It may look cool but I am not letting you take my man card unlike Gage."

"Fuck off." Gage grunted.

"Luke come on!" Right as I said that my bedroom door opened and in walked Ethan.

"What are we trying to get Luke to do?" He asked looking around. He noticed Gage staring at his hands so he made his way closer. When he saw them he laughed loudly. "You let her do your nails?!"

"I didn't want to!" Gage defended himself. I saw his cheeks were tinted pink. My grin got wider but I held back any comment.

"I'm trying to get Luke to do it now." I said.

"Hell no!" Luke yelled. Ethan just shook his head while laughing.

Things have gotten better between him, Gage and I. It was slightly awkward for a few days after I learned about his old crush on me and knowing that he now knew about my own crush on him. But it seemed after I made up with Gage the two of us just came to the conclusion that we would never happen. Ethan was still the same annoying Ethan that I have known my whole life.

Things between Gage and Ethan are better as well. They were both trying to get along and get to know one another more. Their hatred for one another seemed to be fading slowly and I think them being around one another more is helping that. I caught them multiple times actually being civil to each other.

I liked seeing them get along. It made hanging out with everyone a lot easier and less stressful. Them spending time together was good for them as well. They needed to learn more about one another and come to terms that they are related. As far as I know Ethan hasn't spoken to his parents yet about it all. They are suppose to come home sometime in the new year, so that is probably when he will confront them.

When my own parents found about about Ethan and Gage being half brothers they were stunned to say the least. They weren't necessarily friends with Ethan's parents just because my mo hated how they left him behind a lot growing up. My mom loved him as a son so hearing that his dad cheated with another women, lets just say my mom was pissed. My dad had to talk her down from calling them and bitching them out.

After the surprise wore off at how small of a world this is, both my mom and dad were fine with it. I think everyone was surprised at it all, how out of everyone it was Gage he was half brothers with.

By far Luke had the best reaction. I told him the christmas eve before everyone came over for dinner. He didn't believe me at first but after having Ethan say it, he just stood there. His jaw was slack and he just stared at Ethan almost like he had something coming out of his eyes. His exact words were:

"Fucking hell. Small world." Then he turned and left the room. Luke almost looked like a zombie as walked down the hallway, muttering something under his breath. When Gage came over a bit later he literally stood there staring at him. He looked Gage over as if he was inspecting him of something. Poor Gage had no clue what was going on.

He finally got over it after Macey slapped his head and whispered something in his ear. Macey of course already knew about it. She pulled the information out of me while I was sulking for an entire week. She knows when you are hiding something and there is just something about her that makes you spill it.

She was just as surprised by the news but got over it quick. She didn't pull a Luke and stare at both Ethan and Gage at least. However I did have a talk with her about getting two huge guys to through me over their shoulder. I wasn't really mad at her since Gage and I made up, but I couldn't believe it was her idea.

The last person we told, or so I thought, was Dylan. I thought Gage hadn't told him but it turns out he called Dylan the next day after the party. My one wish was to have seen his face when he told him. I know for a fact Dylan freaked out at the news. It really should have been recorded.

With everyone knowing things were back to normal. It didn't cross anyone's mind about Ethan and Gage anymore and the two of them were grateful for that. They were not the type to talk about their feelings or anything like that.

"Why would I want to get my nails done? I am a man! A man does not get a manicure" Luke said, he puffed out his chest.

"Man? Luke you screamed bloody murder at the spider in your room two days ago." I commented as I put all my nail polishes away. "Men do not scream at spiders."

"IT WAS A HUGE ASS SPIDER!" I saw the spider and it wasn't that big. I am not a fan of them but I didn't scream as high as Luke did. I thought it was Macey getting killed.

"Sure it was." Ethan smirked at him. He took a seat on the bed behind me.

"It was! It was the size of my palm! Who the fuck wants to be near a spider that big?" Luke held his hand out showing us the size of it. The three of us started laughing at Luke's terrified expression.

"Fuck off you guys." He grumbled and crossed his arms across his chest, pouting.

I got up and put my stuff back away while the three guys started talking. I looked over at them, smiling. I liked that all three got along now and they acted liked close friends.

"So what are we doing tonight for New Years? The usual right?" Ethan asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Sounds good to me." I shrugged.

"What is the 'usual'?" Gage asked looking between us confused.

"Every year each of us pick out a 2 liter bottle of soda, we each pick out a game to play, and we order whatever food we want to eat. One year we had Chinese, Pizza, McDonalds, Taco Bell, and then a bunch of deserts." I answered.

My parents always went to some party with Macey's parents so we were left home. We could have held a party or even gone to one but we had this tradition since we were in middle school, so why break it now? Plus we have a few more people to add now.

"Dylan and Anna are coming over right?" I asked a minute later.

"Yeah they are. They should be here soon." Gage nodded, his fingers already moving to pick the nail polish.

"No!" I quickly went for him and grabbed him arm to stop him. "You aren't ruining my paint job. I worked hard for that." I scolded him. Ethan and Luke snickered as I did so.

"I am not wearing this around everyone." Gage said in a hard tone.

"Yes you are. Part of your punishment."

"I think having you paint them was enough punishment, don't you say?" The tortured look on his face made my face soften a bit. He was being very sweet and let me paint his nails. I couldn't punish him too much longer.

"If you wear the nail polish all tonight your punishments are lifted." I stated.

"As in I don't have to do anything else embarrassing?" He raised an eyebrow like he didn't believe me.

"Yes. No more humiliating things." I nodded. This was embarrassing enough. Having everyone see his hands would be all the payback I needed.

"Okay fine I will keep it on." I held back a grin and made my way to him.

"Thank you." I moved behind him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. I leaned down and kissed his cheek.

"Ew my eyes!" Luke exclaimed. I rolled my eyes but didn't pull away from Gage.

"Then go away if you don't want to see it." I stuck my tongue out at him. "Last I looked I wasn't keeping you hostage in here." Luke had no reply to that but even though he made the remark about me kissing Gage he didn't leave. When no one said anything I took the incentive to talk.

"Since Dylan, Anna, and Amy will be here soon we should probably go to the store and get everything we need."

"Isn't the store going to be pretty empty because it is New Years Eve?" Ethan asked.

"Well if someone," I turned and looked at Luke. "had gone to the store like they were suppose to two days ago."

"What? I got busy." We all scoffed at that. He was just too lazy to go.

"Lets go now so we can get whatever is left. Who's coming?"

"I can't. Macey should be here any second." Luke said.

"I have to go pick up Amy." Ethan said at the same time. Of course the two of them were now so 'busy' they couldn't go.

"Fine. Gage and I will go." I moved to finish getting ready. Behind me I could hear Luke and Ethan talking to Gage.

"Good luck dude."

"Should have came up with a excuse."

"I can hear you!" I glanced at them over my shoulder and narrowed my eyes at them. They were making it sound like I was a bad person to shop with.

"We know." I glared at Luke. Grabbing my phone I opened up my notes and turned back to face them.

"What do you want?"

"Mountain Dew. Get some chips or something salty because after all the sweet you need it." Luke rattled off.

"I'll have Sprite. You know what to get." Ethan waved me off. I honestly didn't even need to ask them because we all know what each other gets. Although my brother does change up his soda flavor every year. I already knew what to get Macey and Amy.

"Okie dokie."

"I'll see you guys in a bit. I have to go get Amy." Ethan said standing up. Giving the guys a nod and me a smile he left the room.

A minute later Luke left, leaving Gage and I alone. I silently watched him as he looked down at his phone. He looked so handsome and just staring at him made my heart ache. I would never get use to the fact that he is mine.

"Going to keep staring at me, drooling. Or should we get going?" Gage suddenly talking almost made me jump. I took a deep breath calming my heart. Why was I getting embarrassed for staring at my boyfriend?

"I wasn't drooling!" Was all I could come up with.

He stood up and came towards me. He had a teasing smirk on his face that did things to me that I would never admit to. My feet were planted firmly on the ground as he stopped inches away from me. My chest barely grazed his and my breath hitched in my throat. Him being so close to me that I could feel his breath on my face was slowly driving me insane.

"You can drool over me all you want baby." Lately Gage has been very...touchy. Not that I minded! It was actually nice to see him being so playful and to me it showed he wanted me. That alone made my knees weak.

I tilted my head up and gazed up at him. His brown eyes were darker and his face was inching its way closer to mine. He hasn't even touched me yet and I felt like I was on fire. His gaze was hard and intense that I felt it all the way to my core.

My eyes were locked on his as his nose barely touched mine. I gulped trying to gain some composure back but when his lips grazed my lips, it slipped away. It felt like I hadn't touched his lips in years so one little touch my body was on fire.

I could not stop myself as my hands gripped his t-shirt and pulled him closer to me. My lips pressed against his softly despite the need to kiss him roughly. Gage's hands came and grabbed my sides, his fingers digging into me. I pressed my body against his, wanting to mold into him.

Our lips were the opposite of our other movements. We were slow, soft, teasing. My hands were gripping his shirt so tightly I knew when I pulled away it would leave an indent of my hands. Gage's hands were the same way, he would probably leave marks on my hips.

When we finally had to pull away for air. I was breathing heavily and pressed my forehead against his. Thankfully he was breathing just as heavy as I was, letting me know I wasn't the only one effected.

"Fuck. The things I want to do to you." He breathed out, his eyes closed. Something inside of me clenched. "We better get going." All I could do was nod. I had no voice at the moment and I didn't trust myself to say anything. If I did I would probably beg him to do what he pleased.

He pecked my lips one more time before he detangled himself from me. He bit on his lower lip as he looked at me. It took every ounce of control not to jump him right then and there.

"I'll be right back." Was all he said before he quickly walked past me and into my bathroom. Once the door was shut I let out a loud breath. My chest moved up and down rapidly as I tried to get some self control back. Damn the things that boy does to me!

It took a good two to three minutes before I could move and get some shoes on. Gage was still in the bathroom which actually helped. It helped me get my emotions in check and become unflustered. I grabbed everything I needed; my phone, purse that held my wallet, keys.

Oddly it wasn't that cold out today so I didn't have to wear a huge jacket that made me look like an abominable snowman. Even though it was already 3 o'clock in the afternoon I was still dressed in my sweats. We were going to be in all night so why should I even bother getting ready. I was definitely not going to be all dressed up to just sit around and play games with my friends.

I sat down in my desk chair for a few minutes before Gage finally emerged from the bathroom. I wasn't stupid and knew why he was in there. So when he came out I couldn't help but blush.

"Ready to go?" I asked. I looked him over and bite on my bottom lip. He looked really good. His simple black jeans and a blue t-shirt looked great on him. I love that he doesn't change what he wears. He can dress up and he looks great that way too but seeing him dress like his normal self is just who he is. That is what I love about him.

"All good." The way he said it I couldn't stop from laughing. It meant that in multiple ways I think.

* * * * * * * *

"We are not getting those."

"Why not!" I whined, holding the bag of sour watermelon gummies.

"Because we already have every other candy in the cart." Gage tried to reason with me. He was now seeing why Ethan and Luke told him good luck when shopping with me. When it came to sweets I liked to get a bunch, plus it was New Years Eve. Sue me.

"But not this kind!" I shook the bag in my hands. He was right though. We had almost every single kind of treat from the treat aisle but this one was the best one! Gage stared at me like I lost my mind.

"If you want that one than you have to trade it for two others." He said.

"What?"

"For that one candy you have to put two others away." Gage explained, crossing his arms across his chest and staring at me. I looked at him like he was crazy. How could you put two away?

"But-"

"No. If you want that one than that is the deal. If not put it back." I glanced at the package in my hands. The watermelon ones were the best ones. Heaving a sigh I reached into our cart and pulled out two other candies. I said a silent goodbye to the sour patch kids and the gummy bears. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make.

"Okay that is the last thing then."

"Are you sure? I feel like we are forgetting something." I opened my phone and went through my small list and saw we did have everything we needed.

"We have the entire store in our cart, I don't think we need anything else." I could tell Gage was getting slightly irritated so I decided to lift up his mood. I pushed him to the side so I could push the cart. I placed my feet on the metal underneath and stood up, my hands holding the front.

"Push me." For a second he thought I was kidding but when he saw the wide smile on my face he grinned.

Gage got behind me and placed his hands right next to mine on the cart handle. His chest pressed against my back and I leaned back into him. When he started to push the cart I held on tighter but I knew he wouldn't let me fall. His hard chest was a reminder that he had me caged in.

As we went down the aisle my smile got wider. I urged him to go fast which he did. Before I knew it we were both flying down the aisles. I was laughing loudly and behind me I could feel Gage's laughter rumbling through his chest.

Right as we slowed down on our 5th aisle a voiced yelled behind us. Both of us looked backwards to see an older looking guy coming towards us. I could see his face was red and his bald head was shining with sweat more likely. I wrinkled my nose when he came to a stop by us.

"You are not allowed to do that in this store!" He yelled at us. He wasn't even scary. He had a huge pot belly and his mustache looked like it had food in it.

"There is no one here." Gage said.

"This is my store and I will not allow some good for nothing kids destroy it." It words made me clench my jaw. I jumped down from the cart.

"Your story is empty. I would say you have only made a few bucks today and it is already 4 o'clock. As you can see we have a full cart which we plan on paying for. If you would like to make some money from us 'good for nothing kids' then I suggest you go back to your office and finish whatever boring thing you were doing before." I said looking right at him.

I hate when older people try to bully younger kids. It is like they entitled when they aren't. Just because they have 'lived' they think everyone should respect them and bow down to their needs.

The man looked back and forth between us and when he noticed neither of us were backing down he grunted.

"Continue with your shopping then." He said through gritted teeth.

"We will. Have a terrible rest of the year." I said before grabbing our cart and walking away, Gage trailing after me.

As we walked away I felt my hands trembling. Never in a million years would I have done that before. I would have just apologized, turned bright red, and gotten the hell out of here. The old me would have never had some push her down the aisles, screaming at the top of her lungs.

"That is my girl. Such a badass." Gage said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side. I couldn't help but smile up at him. Gage brought out this new side to me and I have to say...I like this new me.

* * * * * *

"Twister!"

"No, Monopoly!"

"X-Box!"

"Food!"

I sat back in the couch placing my hand over my mouth to hiding my laughter. All 8 of us were sitting in the living room trying to choose the first game to play. Gage and I came back from the store 2 hours ago only to find everyone already here and waiting for us.

We have spent the last two hours eating snacks and talking before we decided to start our night. It was already 7 o'clock. I wanted to bring up what we should eat but I knew that argument would last a good hour just like with this one.

My parents left about 30 minutes ago to go with Macey's parents to some party. It wasn't until 3 years ago that we forced them to go and leave Luke, Macey, Ethan and me home alone. They weren't sure what we would do by ourselves but after seeing that we wouldn't destroy the house, they let us have our own New Years. It was good for them to get out anyways. We were old enough now to be alone.

Luke, Macey, Ethan, and Dylan kept arguing over what game to play while the rest of us just sat back watching. I almost got up to get some popcorn. It was pretty entertaining. I was laying in the crook of Gage's side and I had no plans of moving either. Amy and Anna watched their boyfriends with small smiles on their faces.

When Dylan and Anna, Dylan's girlfriend, showed up she was really quiet and shy. I think she felt like she was imposing by being here but after a bit she loosened up. She was actually really funny and great to talk to. Being around us all made her finally relax and she fit really well into our group. I had to say that she fit with Dylan perfectly.

"I want food!" Dylan said loudly. I tuned back into the conversation at this point. I agreed with him. I was getting hungry for something other than snacks.

"Do you want to eat or do you want to play a game?" Macey demanded.

I spoke up, "How about one of us orders food while the others decide on a game? That way we kill two birds with one stone."

The four of them stopped talking and looked at me. It sounded like a great plan to me. Eventually everyone agreed that was smart. Not wanting another argument to break out over what we should get I already had something in mind.

"Okay. We are getting pizza and Chinese. Is that okay with everyone?"

A chorus of 'yes' met my ears and I let out a sigh of relief glad no one cared. I reluctantly moved out of Gage's embrace and stood up. I straightened my clothing before grabbing my phone and going to another room. As I dialed the nearest pizza delivery place everyone shouted what they wanted to me.

5 minutes later I emerged from the kitchen back to the living room. It was semi quiet now letting me know they finally decided on a game to play. The food was set to be here soon. I just hoped the Chinese food wouldn't get here at the same time as the pizza. Talk about awkward.

Apparently everyone agreed on Twister first since it would only take a few minutes while Monopoly will probably take the rest of the night. Because the mat wasn't big enough for everyone we split into teams; boy vs girls. We thought it would be funner if there were 4 people on the mat at the same time. Make it harder and that way we could play more rounds. Whoever fell first was out and the other three would continue. When one person is left that team would get a point. If everyone on that team fell that no points. Not as complicated as it sounded.

"Girls first!" Luke declared as he grabbed the spinner. All four of us girls-Amy, Macey, Anna and Me-got up and headed to either side of the mat. We decided it would be far if two people stood at each end so we could all reach the colors.

"Okay Amy first." Luke spun the little arrow and we all waited for the color. According to the rules apparently each person was given a turn instead of everyone going at once. All my life I thought it was the opposite.

We all took turns and before we knew it all of our bodies were somehow wrapped around one another. Macey's face was right next to mine, my butt was definitely pressed against Anna, and Amy was somehow underneath all of us. With every turn I thought one of us wold fall but somehow no one didn't.

I was trying so hard not to laugh because I knew the moment I did I would be a goner. The boys somehow picked up on it and were now trying everything in their power to get us to fall over. I had a suspicion they were making up moves because after they said one they would giggle like a bunch of school girls.

Eventually one had to fall and it ended up being Anna. It seemed that after she fell the rest of us went downhill. Macey fell next and it ended up being Me and Amy together. I knew she would win since she was the most flexible out of all of us but somehow I was holding my own. I would probably be sore tomorrow.

Amy and I went a few more turns until Gage called out 'left hand blue' and I was done. I had to somehow extend my arm across my body and Amy's to reach the color. My legs were already getting shaky and when I went to move, I toppled over. I laid on the mat for a second breathing kind of heavily. I finally got up while Amy untangled herself. It was now the guys turn.

By time I got to the couch the guys were standing up, getting ready for their turn. I looked over at Luke and Dylan and saw them doing 'stretches'. And by stretches I mean trying to touch their touches and just waving their arms around. I passed by Gage to take a seat and he purposely brushed by me.

"Your ass looks good in those sweats." Was all he whispered to me before he walked to the mat. My cheeks went red instantly. I knew I felt someones eyes on me when I was bent over. At least it was only Gage's.

I forced the blush away and took a seat next to Anna. All four of us girls shared a look as the guys got ready. Now this was going to be fun. It was going to be interesting seeing four big muscular guys trying to fit on a small mat. None were flexible either so my bet was they wouldn't make it more than 3 rounds each.

10 minutes later I was right. All four guys fell down on top of one another, groaning and swearing. I stared at them grinning. They were doomed the second they stepped foot on the mat. Their bulky frames didn't fit well and none had the flexibility to move their arms/legs around one another. In just a matter of minutes they were tangled up.

I wasn't sure who it happened to first but one got tripped up and ended up taking the rest with him. I was pretty sure it was Luke though, he always sucked at this game.

We were about to do another round when the doorbell rang. Luke and Ethan got up to grab it while I straightened out the mat so we could play again soon. A minute later they walked in carrying three large pizza's and two bags filled with chinese food. Because there were so many of us and the guys ate a lot, I ordered more than we could probably eat. But when it nears midnight you always get a craving for something to eat.

Grabbing what we all wanted, we sat around the living room eating and talking. I never felt more relaxed and at home than I did right then. Everyone was laughing, telling old stories, just being themselves. Was already one of the best new years eve parties we have done.

* * * * * * *

4 rounds of Twister and two and a half hours of playing Monopoly later, it was nearing midnight. Our game of monopoly has taken forever and one or two fights may have occurred. We played the electronic version of the game so it was easier but somehow everyone thought others were cheating by adding more money on their cards. On more than one occasion we had to bring out the instructions.

You don't really know your friends until you have played monopoly with them. It brings out a different side to people. The quiet shy girl you thought was harmless, turns out to be a hard ruthless owner. Anna somehow put hotels on her spots and of course they were the spots you ALWAYS land on. So every turn you add to fork over two thousand dollars just to get by. Lets just say lots of cursing happened on everyones turns.

I learned that Gage always had something up his sleeve. He definitely was a pro at the game because he became best friends with Anna. The two of them joined together to bankrupt everyone. So every freaking turn you lost money.

Finally we all just had to take a step back from the game. Tensions were high and everyone knew if we kept planning someone would end up flipping the board over or doing something stupid. There was only so much of that you can take.

So now everyone was kind of doing their own thing. Dylan and Anna were sitting on the love seat together, talking about something interesting because their heads were close together. Luke and Macey were in the kitchen doing god knows what as giggles drifted out. Ethan and Amy were in an intense game of war over at the table. That just left Gage and I together.

I was content to just sit there next to him all night long. The two of us were just watching tv and occasionally making comments about the others. Who knew Gage had such a playful side to him.

"Hey." Gage whispered in my ear, making me look away from the tv to him. "Want to go somewhere?" He asked.

"It is 30 minutes to midnight. Where would we go?" I asked. It wasn't like we could just leave now.

"Just follow me." He moved out from under me and I held back a groan. I was so comfortable! He held his hand out for me which I took and let him yank me up from the couch. I had eaten so much I felt like he would have to roll me wherever he wanted to go.

Gage tugged me out of the living room towards the staircase. I didn't even bother telling anyone where we were going. They were all caught up in their own conversations to even care. I silently let him lead me upstairs to my room. When we got there I raised an eyebrow.

"My room?" I questioned looking around. There wasn't anything special in here, believe me. Gage didn't answer as he went over to the double set of doors that were off to the side of my room. Only in the spring and summer time do I have them open and right now with it being winter they were firmly closed.

Gage wasted no time in unlocking them and pulling them open, cold air immediately rushing in. When he went out onto the little balcony/terrace I followed after him wondering what he planned on doing. I wrapped my arms around myself as the cold hit me straight in the face.

"Gage? What are we doing out here?" The balcony wasn't that big. Just big enough to have a chair in one corner-where I would read in the summer, and flower pot that would have flowers in it.

Gage leaned back against the railing and looked up at the roof. I went to question him again but what he did next surprised me. He made his way over to the railing and started climbing up it. Once he could reach the edge of the roof he pulled and pushed off with his feet. He disappeared from sight a second later. I quickly went out there and looked up at the roof. I couldn't really see anything because of the dark. I squinted hoping to see him.

"Gage?" I called out. It was then a dark figure appeared and a hand stretched out towards me.

"Come on up." Gage's voice drifted to me.

"Hell no. I am not getting on the roof." I shook my head at the notion. "We could fall off and die or something." I've read enough books to know climbing on the roof is never fun.

"Do you trust me?" He asked. I answered without hesitation.

"Of course but-"

"No buts. Get up here. You won't regret it." I couldn't see his face but I knew he was smiling at me. I looked around and up at the roof again, thinking it through. What if the roof collapses? Or we fall? All the 'what if's' went through my mind but they were silenced out but Gage's voiced.

"Trust me, Princess." I knew then I couldn't resist him.

"Fine. But I am grabbing a jacket and a blanket." I quickly went back into my room to pull on a thick jacket and grab a random blanket. When I went back out on the balcony Gage's head popped over the ledge.

"I'll take the blanket before helping you up." I handed him the blanket before going over to the same side he climbed up on. I gulped not believing I was really doing this. Because I had this balcony I had no desire to get on the roof before. If I wanted to see the stars all I had to do was come out here, not go up.

"You can do it princess." Gage said coming back into view. His hand was extended out waiting for me to take it. Taking a deep breath I nodded. I can do this. With that running through my mind I placed my foot in a little cranny of the railing and started up.

I got to the point where I could grab his hand and the roof with the other. With Gage's help I climbed up on the roof. I was on my hands and knees, too afraid to stand up in case I tripped or did something stupid.

Gage had a firm hold on my right hand as he slowly lead me to where he had placed the blanket. Surprisingly it was pretty flat up here. I thought it would be more angled and that the possibility of falling would be greater, but it wasn't. It was pitch black up here but with Gage's hand in mine I felt safe.

I carefully took a seat on the spread out blanket. Gage took a seat beside me, staying close where our shoulders brushed and his warmth wrapped around me. When I glanced around a small gasp left my lips. From up here you could see the sky perfectly.

There were no clouds in the sky tonight. The moon, the shape of a toe nail, shone brightly in the sky and around it little twinkling stars. This reminded me of the first real conversation I had with Gage the night of that party. The stars weren't as bright here as they were in that field but it was still beautiful.

I tore my gaze away from the stars and noticed I could see into the living room of one of my neighbors. They hadn't closed their blinds so you could see right in. They clearly were hosting a party as tons of people stood around talking, laughing and even dancing. They looked to be wearing party hats.

Being up here I felt like I was far away from everything. Like our friends inside the house were too far to be felt. Even though it was cold it was refreshing being out here.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Gage breathed beside me. I looked over at him, the moonlight hitting his face perfectly where I could see him. He was looking straight at me.

"It is." My breathing hitched. "How did you know you could get to the roof from there?" I asked.

"When I was in your room the other day I saw the balcony but I didn't really know we could get up here that easily." He admitted.

"What would you have done if we couldn't have?"

"We would have just sat out on the balcony, totally ruining the plan."

"The plan? And what is that?" I asked, leaning back a bit.

"To get in your pants." Gage turned his head and grinned at me.

I shoved his shoulder. "Of course that is what you are thinking about." I shook my head at him.

"You know I am kidding." He teased, his arm coming around and wrapping around my waist. He pulled me to him and I immediately melted into his side.

"I actually brought you out here because I wanted to spend the new year with just you. Not your brother, Ethan, or anyone else downstairs. Just the two of us." My heart fluttered at those words.

"Would you re-do it if you could?" I asked suddenly.

"Redo what?"

"Us. Meeting me. Would you redo how we met or how we got together?" I looked up at him. In my mind I wouldn't. I wouldn't change how we bumped into each other in the middle of the night, him snapping at him but then coming around and helping me with Macey. I wouldn't change him hating me at first and not even bothering to hide it. I wouldn't change breaking down his walls, little by little.

"I guess I would change a few things." Gage said a minute later, his voice thoughtful.

"You would?"

"I would redo all the hateful things I said to you. I would redo some of the things I did before I met you so I wouldn't have been such an asshole to you. I would redo when I finally admitted my feelings and tell you sooner then I did." Gage explained. I smiled softly as he spoke.

"My grandpa use to tell me 'when you love something you better hold onto it tight. Don't ever let it go or if you do you will someday wish you hadn't'. I never really knew what he meant until now." He looked down at me. In that moment I wished it wasn't dark so I could see his face clearly. See those brown eyes staring down at me twinkling. Brown eyes that I have come to adore and love.

"I wouldn't redo anything." I finally spoke when I felt like I wouldn't cry. "I feel like everything happened for a reason between us. We just had to fight a little bit harder at first but now nothing can break us."

I wasn't sure if fate was involved or not. Not sure if there is something bigger planned for the two of us or not. But whatever reason we came together I didn't care. I met Gage and I wouldn't change that for the world.

"Onto lighter topics now." I cleared my throat and shifted in his arms. "What are some of your resolutions this year?"

"Lets see." Gage was quiet for a few moments before answered. "Start putting my cereal on a higher shelf so you don't eat it all. Teach you how to kiss ass without you getting your ass kicked." I rolled my eyes at his but couldn't help but laugh.

"I am definitely not perfect but I resolve to be better. To be the guy you deserve." Gage finished. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. His words made my eyes water and I was holding back from crying. I dug my nail into the side of my hand so I wouldn't. I couldn't be a crying mess right now. I can't end the new year crying.

"Those are some good ones." I finally got out. Gage laughed beside me before pulling me closer and placing a kiss on top of my head. I closed my eyes and leaned against him.

"How about you?" He asked a minute later. With my eyes still closed I answered.

"Focus more on my photography and art. Make it through the year without pulling my hair out. Make more time for family. And get an amazing boyfriend." I said the last bit teasingly.

"An amazing boyfriend you say?"

"Yeah. My current one is just plain weird and I don't know how I can stand him." I tried to act serious but it wasn't working.

"Maybe I have to beat up this weird boyfriend of yours and show him who a real man is." Gage teased.

"Wouldn't be hard. He isn't really manly at all." I exaggerated the last bit. I didn't have any time to noticed Gage moving until his hands were at my sides, tickling me.

I yelled out, squirming in his hold. His fingers were relentless as he tickled up and down my sides. I laughed and yelled as I tried to get away.

"Gage! G-gage stop!" I tried to say but it wasn't coming out. My whole body jerk backwards which knocked Gage off to the side. He fell back and landed on his back, me somehow flying across his front.

I landed on his chest as he laid beneath me. His hands stopped their tickling and I was finally able to get my breath back. I had somehow landed perfectly where I was hovering above his face. His arms were loosely gripping my hips and my hands were pressed against his chest.

We stared at one another, neither saying a word. Gage lazily smiling up at me. Even though it was freezing up here and dark, I didn't care. I was so focused on Gage I didn't care about any of it. He looked so happy that all I wanted to do was grab him and kiss him.

"Gage..." I breathed out. As I did so I suddenly heard yelling. I turned my head to the side to see where it was coming from. My eyes landed on the open window of the neighbors holding a party. Everyone was gathered around and yelling, counting down to the new year.

I turned back to Gage a wide smile on my face. Gage's arms tightened around me, bringing me tighter to him. My head slowly started to lean down as the two of us heard the neighbors counting down the time.

Inches away from him I stared into his eyes. This up close I could see the moon reflecting in them and I never have seen such a prettier sight. I sat there inches away from him as everyone around us counted down to the new year.

A new year with new possibilities. A new year where if you wanted to change you could. A new year you can make a difference in the world.

I stared down at Gage knowing I was going into the new year happier than I have ever been. Going into the new year with someone I could see myself still being with 5 years from now. The person in front of me was the person I wanted to spend all my new years with and more. The person that made me feel like I could do whatever I wanted.

The person that made me realize what true love was about.

Just as the clock hit midnight I spoke.

"Happy New Year Gage."

"Happy New Year Carter."

Then we kissed.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This chapter is a long one guys! It is 8,000 words! Like holy crap. I ended up re-writing this chapter a dozen times because I didn't like anything I wrote. After a bit I finally got some inspiration from someone and immediately I got to writing.

As you can tell by this chapters things are wrapping up. Gage and Carter are happy and starting the New Year together. I decided to skip the whole christmas thing because that would become very boring to read. Instead I decided to have them spend the new year together and kind of involved everyone else. SADLY THERE WILL BE NO ONE ELSE BUT CARTER AND GAGE UNTIL THE END OF THE BOOK!! I decided to let Gage and Carter have the rest of the book and the other characters will be wrapped up in bonus chapters later on.

Yes I will be doing bonus chapters! They will be consisted of Dylan/Anna, Luke/Macey and their journey, Ethan/Amy and their lives, EVEN an alternate ending, and maybe a sex scene since everyone wants one. There may be even more-maybe a Layla and Ashton chapter-but not sure quite yet.

***THIS MEANS THE BOOK IS ABOUT FINISHED!! I plan on having 50 chapters and then epilogue, bonus chapters. I don't want to drag this book out any longer because it will get repetitive and old. I do not want to ruin this book by doing that. So only 3 more chapters left!!!!!! I know a lot of you didn't want this to end but sadly it has to. I love this book so much I am cry that it is ending.

**I do hope you like this chapter! I hope you like how Carter and Gage have come along. Their journey has been a great one! I am sorry about the wait for this chapter by the way. ALSO if you haven't added my other book "The Hidden Shadow" into your libraries yet you may want to soon! I will be posting the first chapter here soon so if you want to be the first to read it make sure it is added into your library. And make sure you follow me on Twitter where I will be posting sneak peeks and what not of the story before it is posted. As well as updates on when it will be as well as chapters for this book! I love to hear from you all! (Twitter: Kendoll350) (Snapchat: OutOfMyLimit17)

P.S Thank you for nominating me for the Book Oscars here on Wattpad! It is incredible! Hopefully we win!!! <3 <3)

VOTE, COMMENT, and for those in America...make these next four years go by quickly!

<3 <3 <3

-Ken

Here are some images to make up for the late update!!!! ENJOY! And here are some napkins and holy water!