Work Text:
Friedrich sat next to Jo, “Have you any resolutions for the New Year?”
Jo tore her gaze away from the boarders’ celebrations to meet the Professor's eyes, “Oh no,” she shook her head, “Perhaps just to write more.”
Bhaer nodded, “Sounds achievable,” he said with a smile.
“Yes, I suppose so,” Jo smiled back, “And you?”
He pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, considering his response, “Perhaps to read more.”
Jo wasn’t sure if he intended for it to sound like he wanted to be reading her work, but she blushed nonetheless.
Friedrich, afraid that he had been too forward, changed the subject, “Have you enjoyed watching the festivities?” He pointed to where the other’s gathered waiting for the clock to strike to commemorate another year passed.
“Yes, very much,” Jo looked particularly at Mrs. Kirke and the little girls arranging some sweets on a platter for the others to enjoy.
But while Jo’s eyes traced along the crowd, Bhaer’s had not left Jo’s face, “You know, I find people watching to be most interesting. You must agree, as an author.”
Jo didn’t move to look at him and instead let her doubts and wandering mind get the best of her. Jo hadn’t been able to stop watching him since she arrived, he fascinated her, and now she worried that he had noticed and that it would scare him away. But when she finally gathered the courage to face him again, she saw that his gaze had not left her face, and what a warm welcoming gaze it was. “Yes,” Jo whispered, “most interesting.”
Far away they heard Mrs. Kirke's announcement, one minute till midnight.
“Do you have this tradition in America, a kiss to start a New Year?”
In truth, Jo had never heard of that tradition before, but she placed her hand on the older man’s cheek and brought his lips to hers right as the clock struck 12.