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It's the new year's, and what better way to get into the new year other than a romantic kiss under the dazzling fireworks with your one and only lover? Well, the problem in question is that there isn't just one. Phainon, Khaos, Neikos, and Khaslana had had this problem ever since their polycule was established. None of them get really jealous, there's a reason why they established it in the first place, after all. Just…kissing each other in new years proved to be a difficult task—somehow.
Their friends have all gathered at the rooftop, as they agreed they would celebrate New Year at the person who has the most space—Khaslana was more than happy to host; besides, he had plenty of help to set up.
New Year's dinner was quite the festive treat, with an array of dishes—thanks to Mydei’s help—served to stuff oneself until the time for a new year arrived.
“Alright, so everyone knows how it's going to go, right?”
“Me with Khaos, and you with Nei, right?”
“Why does this even matter,” The red eyed man grumbled. “We're literally just going to kiss each other. Why do we need an action plan ???”
“Remember the last time that happened?”
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..
…
..
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New Year's Eve. It was near midnight, much like their current predicament. That time, however, they were at Castorice’s place. Beside her house, laid out a large backyard that was perfect for events like these. Their place was clear enough that they would be able to witness the fireworks; even set off some of their own—safe to say Caelus and Stelle were at the scene of the crime.
The clock struck 12, and fireworks had gone off—one could faintly hear the screams of those trash lovers in the distance. Several couples United with a kiss, in their own world as they shared such an intimate moment.
Supposedly, all four of them were also going to share such an intimate moment. However…
“You were gonna go for Khaos? I thought you were going for Phainon.”
“Yes I was going for Khaos, why wouldn't I?”
“Because you kiss me most of the time,”
“Most of the time doesn't equate to always, Khaslana,”
“Guys guys, please—”
“We…missed the countdown,” Khaos muttered, ever so blankly because this was also stressing him out.
He was right, though. Fireworks had already erupted minutes ago, and everyone else was enjoying themselves with their respective partners. Only those four were the only ones still talking and arguing about their kiss order. Well, it's to be expected with a couple—er, the four-partnered version of a couple. A quadruple? A quad? Whatever it's called.
Regardless of their numbers, it's clear that being in a polyamorous relationship wasn't going to be easy—especially with times like this. Call it a blessing with having so many partners, but right now it's a headache for them. Cute, really. I'm sure many would wish this was their problem most of the time.
“Ugh—”
“Let's just—”
“I'm not kissing Khaslana anymore just because of that—”
“Nei, don't be petty—”
“...everyone…”
They all turned to Khaos, halting their—Khaslana’s and Neikos’—banter. The taller man froze the moment he got all their attention. He didn't exactly think this far, and he stuck out like a sore thumb because of his height—yet somehow he blends in the background that even those three can't sense him. It was weird, but he's their weird lil—err, big—guy.
Sick of their endless banter, Khaos merely sighed, walking forward to where Khaslana stood. His lips landed on the blond's—short and sweet, a peck. He was quick to pull away to kiss Phainon—similar to how he did Khaslana. Lastly, he bent down enough to kiss Neikos. He backed away, enough to cross his arms.
“There…Now your turn.”
“...”
The three did as Khaos told. Each one of them leaned to the other to give them a kiss, much like how Khaos did. But, like whatever just happened, it wasn't as romantic as they wanted it to be. Ah, well they can't really take it back anymore, it's around 1:17 am already and most of their friends have already gone inside.
They still enjoyed the evening, of course, but that new year's kiss was terrible! None of the romance any of them anticipated for. See, this is why planning is important; they vowed they won't let it happen next year.
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..
…
..
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This day was next year. Well, at least almost next year.
Since this was happening at their penthouse, it was even more pressure—imagine they failed this attempt in their own home? That would be…rather embarrassing. Like missing a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Just to make it clear, so none of us are confused,” Phainon began. “I—” He pointed at himself ‘—will kiss Khaos,” he pointed at the tallest man between them all. “And Khaslana—” His finger aimed at the blond. “—will kiss Neikos.” It then went towards the man standing cross armed.
“Everyone got that?”
“What…what about after?”
“.... ah.” After a few more discussions, they settled for a more thorough plan. Khaslana would kiss Khaos after, then Phainon; Neikos would kiss Phainon, then Khaos; and vice versa of whoever they were paired with.
“Okay,” Phainon sighed. “Now, do we got it?”
It was a rather comedic scene—especially from how serious their faces were. The snicker of a certain cat-like girl and the chuckle of what sounded like a Kremnoan (don't ask) came from a corner. The feline-vibe duo were giggling amongst each other; their respective partners—Castorice and Anaxa—could only sigh, but a hint of amusement was present in their faces.
Back to the quad, Khaslana and Neikos nodded in agreement with what's supposed to transpire. Though, Khaos seemed to be quiet. Phainon tilted his head at his silence—unusual especially for them. “Something wrong, Khaos?”
A head of moonlight hair shook, though there was hesitance in his actions. He couldn't even look Phainon in the face. The blue eyed man slightly frowned at that; so did their other lovers. Khaos noticed, and he tried to wave it off. “It’s…it's nothing—”
“Bullshit.”
“Nei!—” Phainon nudged him, earning a muffled sound of pain from the best.
“You can tell us, you know that right?”
“It's nothing…really,” Khaos insisted. Though, his lovers' persistent stares eventually coaxed what had been bothering him. “Just…I…I wanna kiss Lana first…….” And so he said it, embarrassed he is.
“That's it?”
“That can be arrang—”
“No, Phainon,” the blond interrupted. “We had an agreement beforehand.”
Khaos visibly deflated at his response.
“But,” Khaslana interjected before Khaos would have other thoughts. “I'll kiss you last, if that makes it any better?”
“...mmm….mkay.”
And so with slight adjustments to their assigned kissing partner after the first kiss, their agreement came to action.
Pleasantries were shared amongst friends, and the warmth and excitement of an upcoming year buzzed around laughter. Each of them all had something to light up, like those sparkly sticks. With a few minutes left before the clock struck 12 o'clock, the quad were all settled on one side of the penthouse rooftop. They all settled down against the railing, with Khaslana, Neikos, Phainon, and Khaos lined up respectively.
The clock had come seconds before new year. Twenty seconds. Then fifteen. Then ten.
Then Five
Four
Three
Two
One!
One firework zoomed to the sky, painting it several colors before disappearing into smoke. Then another, and another. And before anyone knew it, the sky was decorated with wonderful lights.
Just as agreed, Khaslana and Neikos kissed, as Khaos and Phainon did.
Khaslana flashed the shorter man a taunting grin. Neikos rolled his eyes, grabbing him by the collar and pulling him down for a kiss. Phainon was more gentle, reaching up to wrap his arms around Khaos then pulling him in for a kiss. Unlike last year, their shared kisses were much more intimate this time. The light buzz of festive warmth, and the sweet intent behind the way their lips crashed against each other, all contributed to a rather romantic scene.
Each respective pair eventually parted, turning to whoever they agreed would kiss next. Phainon couldn't help but be giddy as he crashed into Khaslana's arms, kissing the blond. Khaos had to bend down a bit; the action slightly annoyed the red eyed man—being reminded of how he's the shortest of the bunch. Khaos noticed this, and decided he'd just carry Neikos so neither of their necks suffer. That just made Neikos more embarrassmed, though he did admit being carried by Khaos was comfy. They kissed, with Neikos being a tad bit feisty and lightly biting down on Khaos' lip. Khaos didn't mind, briefly slipping his tongue in and catching Neikos off guard.
Again, they parted. Phainon just pulled Neikos in for a kiss. Sweet, like the rest.
Though, when it came to Khaos and Khaslana — It was clear how much their tallest lover appreciated the blond. There were…several things that year that Khaos was thankful for—especially towards Khaslana. So, he really wants to show his appreciation with this kiss. Theirs was deeper, and Khaos practically clung to the blond as their kiss ensued. Khaslana's lips were soft against Khaos' scarred one, the ever so slight sink of scarred skin running along from his cheek down to his chin. His partners knew how to show their love for him, tracing along his scars, telling him how pretty he was in their eyes. Khaslana loved doing it most.
Khaos let parted his lips, a silent invitation. Khaslana was more than happy to oblige, letting their tongues tangle, sharing the warmth of their mouths and the air that they breathe. It was near endless, really; just after a few breaths away from each other to catch their breath, they united their mouths once more.
In the sidelines, Phainon and Neikos had long finished kissing, simply watching them as the constant booms of fireworks decorated the sky. A scoff came from a cross armed Neikos.
“Why can't you be more sweet to me like Lana is with Khaos—”
“Because you don't give me any reason to,” Phainon deadpanned. “And because Khaos is Khaos.”
Neikos hummed. “Fair enough.”
“...do you want to be pampered the way Khaos is?”
“Wh—I didn't say anything like that!” Neikos denied, though there was a hint of red on his cheeks at the thought.
Phainon had him figured out a long time ago. He was simply pushing his buttons, as always. “Mhm? Sure you didn't,” the blue eyed man scooted closer, hugging Neikos from behind. “Just say you're a lil jealous of them.”
“I'm not!—”
“Uh-huh,” Phainon mused. “And you're not enjoying the attention I'm giving you right now?”
“...”
A small peck was placed on the red eyed man's nape. A shiver ran through Neikos’ body, leaning against the affectionate touch; his hands slowly enveloped Phainon's own.
“Whatever…”
A familiar cheer caught everyone's attention.
“Happy new year, everyone!” Cyrene shouted, clinging to Hyacine. “May this year be a romantic one, for us all!”
May it be a great and romantic year, indeed.
Everyone greeted each other, and eventually settled back inside to enjoy more food. The continuous bangs of fireworks carried on, accompanied by the festive music that echoed in the background.
Have a happy New Year, everyone!
.*Bonus trailblazer shenanigans:
Two gray haired people were sat in front of one of those explody thing-a-ma-jig’s. Caelus waved off of the fire that came from the match they just lit up, letting the flame vanish into thin air. There was that very prominent excitement in their eyes as the flame transitioned into sparkles. Cheers came from them.
Distantly, Caelus remembered something.
“Uh…Stelle are you sure you didn't light up the exploding one…”
“100% sure.” The other gray head boasted. “Besides, I'd know if it was the explody one, I bought them all myself, after all.”
“Oh, okay!” Caelus nodded in agreement. Then a thought hit him.
Suddenly, the supposed sparkler kept flashing brightly then dimly, constantly alternating between either state. Like it was counting down or something.
“Heyyy wait a minute…don't you remember last year?”
Stelle turned to them, head tilted. “What about it?”
“Isn't this the same model that we—”
KA-BOOM!
It was, in fact, the explody one.
The thing exploded away with a bang right in front of them. Both had been blinded by the abrupt flash-bang amidst the sparks it emitted. Cries came from both idiots, hands over their eyes as they rolled around on the ground trying to make the flash go away—as if that would even do anything. Amongst their suffering, both gray haired people swore they heard the faint giggle of a certain trickster.