Teach Me How To Kiss (1D AU)

"So who are you going to kiss after the countdown?" Janet asked as we counted our tips for the night.

"Hmmm…my hand."

"What? That's crazy, I know of at least 3 guys that would love to substitute that hand. As for me, I'll be standing right next to Gabe."

"That's a shocker!" I rolled my eyes.

I was surprised they hadn't kissed already, but Gabe was very rare, he was a shy guy. Janet and I had finished our shifts, while other servers had just clocked in for tonight's special New Year's party at the restaurant. With just enough time to go home, shower and change, we rushed out the door. I don't know what the heck I was getting ready for, or who for that matter. Janet would come back with Liam and I with Izzy. Great!

Perhaps it was a good time to ask Elizabeth some questions regarding her feelings towards the two gentlemen. I just didn't know how to approach it and not seem jealous. I finished sliding into my emerald green dress with black accessories, while Izzy wore a loose black dress. It didn't feel quite normal yet having her back in my room.

"So… how are things going with you and Zayn?" I tried to seem casual as I curled my hair.

"I wasn't under the impression that Zayn and I had something 'going on'," she said in a skeptical tone.

"Well, I thought you guys kind of hit it off at the Christmas party, so I assumed maybe you took a liking to him."

"No way! Have you seen me lately?" she rubbed her belly. "I'm not exactly hunting around for a husband or anything," she smirked.

"So you're not even a little bit interested in Zayn?" I frowned.

"No B. Besides he's YOUR friend. He was just super sweet to me and told me about how he clung to his sister when she was first pregnant."

"Oh…I was sort of hoping to set you two up," I gave a crooked smile.

"No, but I wouldn't mind you 'setting me up' with James…"

James! Ah hah! So it's him she likes and not Zayn…was I being too mischievous? But what if Zayn liked her even though she obviously didn't feel the same way? And how was I supposed to know if Liam would even consider dating a pregnant girl? I guess I could find out from Janet tonight. Oh gosh, now I felt nervous for Izzy. I guess we both would be kissing each other's hands tonight.

Arriving back at the restaurant, my doubts were confirmed once I saw Zayn's eyes follow my pregnant friend. Then I realized, I over complicate things way too easily. When it comes to feelings, I'm just going to stick to understanding my own, which is enough drama for me to handle. So my kiss tonight could very well be from my mother…after Mr. Rogers.

"Brynn you look outstanding! Would you mind hosting at the front door for hmmm 2 hours or so? Hand out the hats and rattles?" Philip persuaded me.

"Oh well…" I wasn't expecting to have to work again.

"I'll throw in a 50?"

"Sure thing, BOSS!" I smiled.

Philip clearly wanted this party to be a success as our first New Year's event since the reopening. Elizabeth sat at the bar and began talking to Zayn, who was clearly branded my big brother now. As I handed out the party props to our guests, I couldn't help wonder what happened for him to change his flirty ways with me? While getting to know me, was he suddenly turned off?

Louis and Lilah arrived, then my mother looking ever so radiant. I was thrilled for her, maybe now instead of girl's night out she'd have date nights. It was about time! She kissed me on the cheek and went to grab a small table before they were all taken; not too far behind was Mr. Rogers.

"Looking quite sharp there Mr. Rogers," I handed him a paper instrument.

"You know…you can call me Kevin. I won't make you drop and give me 10 pushups or anything," he smiled.

"Okay, Kevin," that felt forced, "my mom is waiting for you inside."

I shook my head at his attempt of making a joke, he already fit the awkward step dad role so effortlessly. As I gathered my next batch of trumpets, rattles and glitter tiaras, I looked up to find Liam and Janet walking towards the door. Why could I not stop staring at him? I mean I should be numb to seeing handsome guys in suits by now, but there was something different about the way he modeled it like a uniform.

"Wow you guys look amazing!" I exclaimed, mainly for him but I thought to include my best friend.

"Doesn't my uncle look hott?! I swear we'll have to fight them off with his pocket knife," Janet laughed.

"You don't think it's a bit much?" he asked me.

"No. I think you look…handsome." Big gulp. "I'm sure Izzy would agree," good save Brynn!

Liam gave me a questionable look. Did I make my hidden agenda too obvious? Oh gosh did I just give Izzy away? He stepped closer to grab the tiara from my hand and placed it on his head. That wasn't random at all.

"Are you trying to make a statement, Liam? One that all the ladies should know about?" I inquired.

"Maybe this will keep them away so I can focus on just one," he answered.

Okay, so he didn't perk his eye brow, or wink, or nudge me, and still I had a hot flash. I wasn't that ONE he was talking about or else he would have given me a sign. Why did I even care? Good luck Izzy! It seems like she'll actually have more than one kiss tonight, unless she rejects Zayn.

"So how's it going? How long are you trapped here for?"Zayn asked.

"Oh just another half hour, till 11 o'clock. How're the drinks coming?"

"Champagne bottles are going like crazy."

"Can I ask you something, Zayn?" he nodded. "I'm just curious as to why you've been treating me differently, ever since that night I slept over your house." I felt ballsy for even asking so bluntly.

"I thought you might come around to that, not that you would actually ask me, since I know you keep to yourself quite well… Brynn, I think you're an amazing and attractive girl, but…I realized we are both on separate pages. I'm much older and like I said, I have something different in mind as far as my next relationship. You on the other hand, you're just beginning. You just had your first heartbreak! I care for you and appreciate our friendship. Honestly, I like us this way. So I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, but that was before I knew you and I respect you way too much now... I also had to distance myself to think things through, and for that I also apologize."

Wow, that was quite the explanation if I ever heard one. It was a shame, what a waste, like Liam had said. But you know what, since Louis had separated from me a bit, not offended by that at all, it was nice to get back a trusting friend. And he was right; I don't think my mother would've approved of me dating a guy 10 years older.

Speaking of my mother, I nudged Zayn to take a glimpse at the young lovers, too shy to hold hands.

"Do you approve of him?" he asked.

"Oh yeah! I'm thrilled for her. At least one of us will get a midnight kiss."

"Oh c'mon, don't you have guys lining up waiting to kiss you?" he hinted.

Well punk, I thought you were one of them! "No. And I'm not going to kiss some stranger!"

"Why not? It's exciting to kiss someone you don't know,"he smiled.

Oh why did he have to say that? Just when I was about to change my hermit crab shell, moving on from Harry. I was reminded of my first kiss with him; a stranger at the time. Then I wondered if he had received my voicemail. I suppose he didn't, and if he did would he have even thought to call back?

As the time got nearer, I felt like the room was a distant world and I was spectating through a glass mirror. Happiness and love all around me. I didn't mean to seem melodramatic, but I wished at that moment I had a kiss to look forward to. Not stolen, or taught, or a mistake. Just a sweet kiss to end and begin the new year; for this was the one I had yet to experience in the list of kisses.

Maybe Zayn was right. I'll just find a random solo partner and lock lips for the transitioning seconds and wish him a good year and sayonara.

"Who are YOU going to kiss?" I quickly asked him before he walked away.

"I'm not sure. I'll just go with the moment. That's the cool thing about it, it's the only time you can get away with an awesome knock out kiss and not get slapped for it," he stuck out his tongue and laughed.

True, that was a good point. Now to find the lucky guy that wouldn't get slapped. I was kidding really, I wasn't going to follow the hype about a stupid kiss. I joined Janet's table to find her chatting with Gabe, looking so adorable together. And then there was Izzy, twinkle eyes, talking to Liam. He was hard to read. He kept the same smile with her as he did with everyone else at the table, including me. I hated that, but not everyone wears their heart on their sleeve…unless his is tattooed there.

The time was drawing closer. 15 minutes to go. Liam got up and said he was going to get a drink. So I slipped in right after him to chat with Izzy.

"So, how's it going with James?"

"He's super nice, very polite and well…I'm not sure if he's into me or not yet. He's not much of a flirt so it's a little difficult to tell."

"So I've noticed. But hey, that can be a good thing right?"

"Yeah, but I'm not setting my hopes up. I mean I am carrying a child, it is a deal breaker," she shrugged.

"So, it turns out that Zayn and I are just friends and will always be just friends," I admitted.

"Ohhh. Are you disappointed?"

"You know, I'm not. I wish you liked him though. I think you guys would be good for each other."

"I don't know…maybe," Izzy took another sip of her water. I believed I lost her to the spinning wheels insideher head.

5 minutes to go and everyone is standing. Some are wearing their hats and tiaras, including Liam still. Some are happy drunks while others are still going. Friends are huddled together while some people are holding hands for the first time.

I didn't know where to go. I was almost dreading this moment. Truth is, I didn't want to kiss a stranger, I was so over that. But I didn't want to attach my heart to someone new either. Was I prepared to feel alone in a room full of people for a whole minute? 60 seconds is a long time…just try holding your breath that long.

I was tempted to simply walk outside and enjoy the moment with the rest of the lonely city. Before someone had the chance of stopping me, I quickly snuck out. My mom caught hold of me, but I pointed to my phone and signaled I had to take it outside. Random people walked the streets; I was in better company now. If anyone should run up and kiss me though, I'll scream my lungs out!

The time was approaching and they were counting down from 30 seconds. I was enjoying this empowering feeling, embracing my singleness and starting off the year as a stronger young woman. Oh what a load of bullcrap! I was just waiting for this stinkin' countdown to be over with!

10...7…5…4…3…2…1! Frantic explosion filled the streets, buildings and inside the restaurant. It was interesting experiencing this from the outside. I couldn't wait to hear my mom and Janet gush about their kisses. Or hear about Izzy's mystery kiss. I soon realized it was way too cold to be out here without a coat, I figured enough time had gone by and it was safe to return inside.

As I turned around I saw him come out. I was shocked that he was out here and not wrapped up in her arms. Before I could say anything he covered my shoulders with his jacket.

"You ruined it…I was looking for you," he smiled.

And as if the moment still counted he hesitantly grabbed my face, waiting for me to consent. I gave a shy smile and he leaned forward to kiss me. I could feel my cheeks glowing, my freezing hands were tucked in the jacket pockets and his warm hands felt nice… a little rough, but nice.

I didn't know the criteria for a 'New Year's kiss'. As far as I knew, anything was acceptable. He wasn't ending the kiss yet and I wanted to bring a little more passion into it, since I was already warmed up. I raised my oversized sleeves to his chest, stood on my toes and kissed him with more intensity. It had been a long time since I had been kissed and I didn't want to regret not giving it my all for the spontaneous occasion.

He moaned shocked by my response and grabbed me by the waist to hold me closer. This felt like a movie scene, kissing under the street lights while everyone remained inside unaware of our escape. But the time had come for us to pull away. And though we did, we were still a littledazed and in disbelief.

He took off his tiara and placed it on my head. I really had no idea he meant ME since he played it off so well. So if Liam was out here with me…who did Elizabeth kiss?

Notes

Yeay! or Meh...? :)