Closed Living In Some Kind Of Dream

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko was pretty sure the only reason he hadn't spiraled into a full panic attack was because of the two glasses of champagne he had nervously downed in the last hour. Having a few friends and teammates over for a small New Years Eve party was just the cover for what he was really planning. He wasn't even sure why he was nervous. He loved Aubrey and he knew he wanted to build a life with her. They already had a life together but he wanted it to be official and he didn't want to wait any longer. They had done enough of that already. Asking her to marry him wasn't the issue. He just wanted the moment to be special and he had never been good at keeping secrets. Usually he didn't have anyone to tell, besides Aubrey, and in this case she was the only person he couldn't talk to. The ring in his pocket felt like it weighed a million pounds and he was sure everyone could tell it was there, but he tried to act natural as he joined his girlfriend and wrapped an arm around her waist before kissing the top of her head. "Hey there." he said with a grin he hoped seemed natural. "Not working too hard I hope." he said laughing, knowing she had been stressing about being a good host. Something he hadn't thought about until it was too late to change his plans. He leaned down so only she could hear. "Why don't we get some air?" he asked before glancing at the time. Only a few minutes to midnight. He reached for her hand and tried to subtly pull her towards the small balcony off their living room.

 

[Aubrey Miller]

Aubrey felt a little silly- she played Volleyball on a national team, after all, and yet she was here being nervous about one simple house party. She and Nikko had hosted for both of their teammates, their apartment just big enough for it to not be too crammed. She'd cleaned for two days, spent more than she'd like to admit on catering and decorations and drinks. She'd tried for a more casual but cute look, wanting to feel a bit more feminine for the event when she spent so much time in sportswear.

She was trying her best to be a good hostess, wandering through the party, making sure to check on everyone, to give smiles and small talk and make sure drinks, food, and conversations were flowing. She relaxed slightly when Nikko appeared at her side, smiling and shutting her eyes, leaning into him and appreciating the kiss. She looked up to him, one arm around her torso and the other hand holding a glass of champagne.

"Aren't we always?" She teased. She nodded slightly as he spoke, finishing her champagne and setting the glass down as he led her to the balcony. She took a deep breath as they moved into the fresh air, relaxing more and sighing. She moved to lean against the railing, smiling at Nikko. "Nice save, Nikko." She complimented. "I didn't realize it would be this stressful hosting." She peeked back towards the party. "Do you think they're all enjoying it?"

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko was glad he didn't need to do more than ask for Aubrey to follow him. As much as he wanted to do this with their friends around he didn't want to do it in the middle of a party. He wanted a semblance of privacy and as they stepped outside he got what he asked for. The difference in volume was a little disorienting and he could practically hear his heart thudding in his chest. He wondered if she could hear it too and if it would give him away, as if his sweaty palms hadn't done that already. He took a deep breath as Aubrey moved to the railing and he just watched her for a moment. He made a face when she mentioned how stressful the night was and he at least hoped by the end of all this she would forget about that aspect of the evening. "Sorry." he mumbled. "But you do a very good job." he added with a grin. He was no stranger to hosting after growing up in his parent's inn and helping with guests from the time he could walk and talk. "And I think everyone is having a great time." he said sincerely. "But what about you, how are you feeling?" he asked.