is that cool with you? - zuckles x reader

chapter twelve - new year, new love

.. december 31st - 20:00 ..

New Year's Rockin' Eve plays on the large flat screen, Panic! at the Disco's performance pumping through the house. Drinks are held in loose grips, joints dangling from fingertips and chapped lips. Y/N slides into the room with a spoon, belting the lyrics along with the broadcast. Dancing with Matt, he spins her wildly into Mason's awaiting arms, laughing at the 'oof!' they both let out at the impact. They sway together, movements exaggerated and excited as they fly around the room. Crashing onto the couch, Mason drapes his arm over Y/N's shoulder, bumping his head against hers. Reaching for their drinks, Y/N passes a can to Mason, giving it a small tap before cracking it open.

"T-minus four hours until the new year," Y/N cheers, taking a sip. "However shall we celebrate the ball drop?"

Mason laughs, his drink in a loose grip. "I can kiss the teddy!"

Y/N lightly punches his shoulder, a grin on her face as she whispers into his ear. "How about you kiss me instead?"

The duo giggles, curling up closer on the couch as Ryan parades into the room with cartons upon cartons of take-out, the rest of the house cheering as the food is passed around.

Swagger stands on the raised platform of the fireplace, swaying as he hoists his beer into the air. "To chaos! And the Misfits, I guess."

The crew hollers into the air, random alcoholic drinks sloshing as they toast. Swagger chugs his drink, tossing the can towards the garbage can in the center of the kitchen. Missing by a mile, he grumbles before searching for more beer. Y/N parts from Mason, squeezing his shoulder before following Swagger into the kitchen.

"So, Swagger, what are you thinking about doing for the ball drop?"

He freezes. "Uh... I'm gonna hit the bong, obviously! Gotta start the new year with a 'bong', right?"

Y/N raises an eyebrow, Swagger's panic painted on his face. "Spill your beans, Swags. We don't keep secrets. We're practically siblings, dude."

He sighs, setting down his latest can before rubbing his hands over his face. "Promise you won't tell Cam?"

Y/N's heart stops for a moment. "Of course."

"I want to kiss him once the ball drops."

.. 22:50 ..

"SWEET CAROLINE -"

"BUM BUM BAAAAAAM!"

Neil Diamond's iconic hit is playing, easily overshadowed by the drunken howls of the crew. Swaying back and forth - arms wrapped around torsos and over shoulders - the Misfits dance stupidly, breaking apart into pairs to really get into the groove. Poor imitations of 60s and 70s era dance moves ensue, laughter breaking into the vocals. Modern music floats back into the room as the song comes to an end, Mason and Y/N escaping to the porch to keep dancing. She Looks So Perfect plays from Y/N's phone, and Mason wheezes as Y/N headbangs along with the classic. His heart blossoms with warmth as he joins her, their laughter building as their bodies collide every so often. Twisting and twirling to the different songs, they collapse onto the porch, tired limbs and heaving lungs fighting to keep up with the antics.

"You know," Mason huffs. "You kicked my team's ass by sprinting like a maniac around the laser tag course, yet you're sitting next to me looking like you're about to pass out."

Y/N wheezes out a laugh. "Honey, that was all adrenaline. If I didn't feel like I was about to fight a war I probably would've passed the fuck out halfway through the match."

"Still, I'm impressed."

"Is that so?"

"It was kind of hot, honestly," Mason says, slumping until his head fell in Y/N's lap. "Being held at gunpoint by you? Terrifying and attractive all at once."

"You just like flirting with death, Masie."

Mason laughs, the honeyed tone infecting Y/N. Combing her fingers through his hair, she quietly laughs to herself at his content expression.

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"What is it, Masie?"

"When you first showed up at the airport all these months ago, I did not know how to react."

Y/N raises an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yeah. Y/N, I always thought you were pretty. But seeing you in person-"

"Even in my dirty hoodie and sweatpants?"

"-Yes, even looking like a garbage dump, I still thought you were gorgeous."

Y/N's face turns redder than a stoplight. "So that's why you were so out of it? I thought you were just baked as fuck."

"Surprise!"

Y/N laughs at the soft tone in his voice. Resting her back on the glass patio barrier, she points to the sky, rattling off the random names of constellations she miraculously remembers from her 11th grade astronomy class. Mason grins at her knowledge, laughing at her irritation when he messes with the names. Shifting to sit between her legs, he rests his head on her chest and holds her hands in his, a content hum emanating from him as Y/N's arms hold him close.

"You better not fall asleep on me, rocketman," Y/N teases. "We've still got another hour to go."

"I promise I won't sleep through the celebration."

"I won't let you, smelly man."

.. 23:59 ..

"Where's the champagne?"

Mason rolls the bottles to Matt, an excited jolt in his footsteps. Throwing his arm over Y/N's shoulders, he cheers with the crew as the clock ticks one second closer to the new year.

"TEN!"

The atmosphere builds, anxious shivers and drunken happiness filling the Manor.

"NINE!"

Swagger shifts closer to Cam, their hands bumping together.

"EIGHT!"

Toby and Jay help Matt with the champagne, vigorously shaking the bottles.

"SEVEN!"

Mason and Y/N huddle closer together, matching grins cracking across their faces.

"SIX!"

Swagger takes Cam's hand, an odd look forming on his face.

"FIVE!"

"FOUR!"

"THREE!"

The Manor practically vibrates with excited energy, the Misfits growing ever more eager.

"TWO!"

"ONE!"

"HAPPY FUCKING NEW YEAR!"

Mason presses his lips to Y/N's, his grip tight on her back. They separate just in time to catch Cam and Swagger colliding, the rest of the team howling in excitement. And at that moment, Y/N knew she was home - even though her real hometown was thousands of miles away.