But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: New Beginnings

"Are you ready, baby girl?" Demi's thumb lazily traced circles over the back of my hand.

I let out a soft laugh, trying to shake off the nerves fluttering inside my chest. "I guess... it's going to be crazy!"

Demi smiled, her lips brushing the top of my head before she kissed my forehead. "Yep. We're gonna make so many memories this year."

I leaned into her neck, breathing in the familiar warmth and the scent of her perfume, feeling safe. "I agree."

The cozy calm broke when Mia appeared and plopped down beside me, her eyes bright with excitement.

"How long left to the new year?" she asked.

Demi glanced at her watch. "Eight minutes."

Mia whistled softly, a little overwhelmed. "I seriously can't believe how fast this year flew by."

I chuckled. "Yeah. And honestly? I still can't believe I'm sitting next to Demi Lovato."

Mia's grin grew wide. "Trust me, I can't believe it either."

We all laughed quietly, the kind of laughter that bubbles up when you feel lucky just to be together.

After a comfortable silence, Mia's voice lowered, almost vulnerable. "I just... really hope this next year is better. You know, finally positive for me."

I shifted closer, sliding my arms around her slender frame, holding her like she was fragile glass. "Hey, it will be positive. You've got us now."

Mia's shoulders tensed, and she gave a little sad sigh. "Thank you."

Then Dallas popped into the room, waving her phone. "Five minutes, guys!"

I felt my heart quicken. Mia gulped, and I pulled her in for one more tight hug.

We all gathered in the lounge, the TV showing the New York countdown. The room hummed with excitement, the flickering lights casting soft shadows on our faces.

"Everyone ready?" Eddie called.

A chorus of "Yes!" and "Hell yeah!" answered him.

The numbers started, flashing big and bright on the screen.

"Thirty... twenty-nine... twenty-eight... twenty-seven..."

Demi nudged me gently in the stomach. I smiled and rested my head on her shoulder. She kissed it softly and rested her own head on mine.

"Ten... nine... eight..."

The room buzzed with energy.

"Three... two... one-"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

The cheers exploded, filling the space with warmth and joy. Demi hugged me fiercely, whispering, "Happy New Year, baby. May this year bring you nothing but happiness."

I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. The noise, the lights, the people I loved all around me - it felt perfect. I felt a stare towards my direction. Mia. The energy between us shifted, electric and charged.

Our eyes met, both silently asking the same question - should we?

No hesitation.

I leaned in, my heart pounding, and our lips met.

It was everything - powerful, passionate, full of unspoken words and desires.

The kiss burned through me, wild and urgent, but somehow tender too, like we were both finally saying what we couldn't with words.

At the side, Demi was cheering us on, grinning like the proudest person in the world.

Liam smirked knowingly, watching with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

I pulled back slightly, breathless, my cheek pressed against Mia's.

"I've wanted to do that forever," I whispered, voice shaky but sure.

Mia smiled softly, her hand finding mine again.

Later, Demi insisted the kids-me, Maddie, Mia, and Liam-head to bed. I was exhausted, but my heart still raced from the kiss.

Demi stayed with me as I lay in bed, the gentle rhythm of her breathing calming my restless mind.

"Did you have a good time today?" she asked, brushing a stray hair from my face.

"Yes. More than I could've hoped for."

She smiled, leaning in to graze her lips over my cheek.

"Can you sing me a song?" I murmured, craving her soothing voice.

She sang softly, the words wrapping around me like a warm blanket, easing me closer to sleep.

As I drifted off, my thoughts floated between hope and fear.

Will this year finally be the one where things get better?

Will Mia stay by my side?

Will Demi keep loving me like this?

Some thoughts were dark, but most were filled with a fragile hope I clung to tightly.

I looked back on how far I'd come - from feeling lost and alone to being loved and safe.

Maybe this year, just maybe, it would be the best one yet.