Chapter Text
Salim was happy that Nick invited him to the New Year's Eve party, but he didn't think he would be able to make it all the way to midnight. The only times he ever managed it were fueled on adrenaline—such as those hours spent in the House of Ashes. This was a much more relaxed atmosphere, light everywhere, safely surrounded by friends.
He stepped out at one point, hoping the cold air would wake him up. He was pleased to see Jason had the same idea. The younger man was wearing a hat, of course, though it was one of those garish hats with gold glitter decorating it. It seemed so unlike Jason that Salim couldn't help laughing.
“Yeah, I know, the hat's stupid,” Jason said, the corner of his lip curling up. “But it's only once a year.”
“I'm just jealous I don't have one,” Salim replied.
“You could always get those stupid glasses,” Jason suggested. “I think Nicky bought a bunch of them.”
“I'll consider it.” A comfortable silence fell over them. Salim took in a deep breath. “The stars look different, don't they?”
“Yep. Ain't gonna see them the same way ever again.” There was another silence and then Jason added, “There's a lot of shit I see different these days.”
“Such as?” Salim prompted when Jason didn't elaborate.
“Me, for one.”
“In a good way, I hope.”
“I think so.” Another short silence filled in. “You wanna go back in?” Jason asked after a moment.
“Maybe later. I'm enjoying just being out here.”
“Company ain't half bad, either,” Jason said. The comment made Salim smile. He turned and met the former marine's eyes. No, the company wasn't half bad at all. The two stood together for a few more moments before Jason spoke again. “So there was somethin' I wanted to do before the new year...”
“You don't have much time left,” Salim teased him.
“I know. I've had to sorta work up to it.” Jason shifted on his feet and fidgeted with his hat. “But I figured if I waited, then it wouldn't be as... serious.”
“I'm not sure I follow,” Salim frowned. “It isn't like you to be so hesitant.” Except with things that mattered, that were deep and personal and made Jason vulnerable. “Go on,” Salim encouraged gently.
Jason suddenly reached out to grab handfuls of Salim's shirt, pulling him forward and landing a kiss on his mouth. He only had a few seconds to realize what was happening before the kiss broke and Jason was backing away. Salim just stood there, unable to form any thoughts.
“I wanted to see how it felt. If I waited until midnight,” Jason explained, “it wouldn't have felt the same. It would've been just another New Year's kiss. I shoulda asked,” he said with an apologetic duck of the head, “and not just laid one on ya.”
Salim's brain finally started working. Just moments ago, Jason said he was seeing himself differently, and now he said he had been working himself up to this moment—to kissing Salim. It wouldn't be honest if Salim claimed he thought the same things, though only because he didn't think it was possible. Too many things got in the way.
And yet here Jason was, only hours away from a new year, taking that step.
“Well,” he said at last. “You could ask me now.”
Jason tilted his head up to look at him. The two men were still for the space of a few heartbeats.
“Do you want me to kiss you, Salim?” he asked softly.
“Yes.” Salim cupped Jason's face. “This year, and next.”
And Jason did.