Clay drew in a deep breath as he watched her from across the room. She looked so bright, so pretty, so perfect, standing next to the Christmas tree. She wore a demure red gown glistening with glitter. Her light brown locks fell over her back in soft curls, and she had a smile in her eyes as she laughed at something her friend had said.

He couldn't staring at her, and it- and she- was driving him crazy.

*Maybe it's much too early in the game

Oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same*

Oh, what he'd give for just one date with her. One night to prove that he was, in fact, worthy of her. Because no one else seemed to think he was.

*What are you doing New Year's

New Year's Eve?*

They all would say, "What would Kelly Clarkson want with a nerd like Clay Aiken?", or something to that effect.

He was so tempted to just walk over and ask her out, because he hated the idea of her kissing someone else at midnight the next week. He almost did, but caught sight of himself in a mirror and lost his confidence. He looked like such a nerd. A Christmas-y nerd, but still a nerd. He wore a white suit, with a silly red tie that had blinking lights on it, and a pair of glasses with red frames.

*Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight

New Year's Eve*

He shook his head. What made him think she'd even accept? She only saw him as a friend, while he had been madly in love with her since the moment he'd met her. When they'd gone on tour together, and shared the same bus, it'd almost been too much to handle. He'd nearly blurted out his feelings more than once; it had been so difficult for him.

*Maybe I'm crazy to suppose

When he looked up, her eyes met his, and she smiled sweetly at him, and he knew he couldn't not ask her. This would be his Christmas gift to himself, here on this Christmas Eve: to stand up for himself, and finally have a drop of confidence, and go after what he wanted.

*Ooh, but in case

Here comes the jackpot question in advance*

"Hey, Kelly." Clay's voice caught her attention.

She beamed. "Well, hey there, Clay!" She exclaimed in her Texan drawl. "Excuse me." She muttered to her friend, then turned back to Clay. "Well, don't you look handsome!" She gave him a big hug, and being in her arms nearly melted him to mush. "What's up?"

"Can I talk to you alone, Kel?" he asked.

"Of course!" she cried.

As they begun to walk across the room, he said, "First of all, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you, too." Her hazel eyes stayed trained on his blue ones.

"Are you going to be busy New Year's Eve?"

"Not that I know of. Why do you ask?"

"A friend of mine is having a party in New York City, and I was wondering if I could be honored enough to have you as my date." His heart pounded in his chest, hoping he'd get the answer he wanted.

Her face seemed to light up like the Christmas tree she'd been standing next to only a few moments before. "I'd like that. That could be fun."

New Year's Eve?*

"Clay?" Kelly's voice broke his thoughts as they swayed to the classy old music.

It was New Year's Eve, a few minutes before midnight.

"Hmm?" He spun her, and her arms crossed in front of her, her back against his chest.

"You're so quiet." she whispered. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm doing fine." He spun her back around to face him.

She looked so beautiful, her hair in loose waves this time, her body snuggled in a beautiful gold glittering dress that resembled something that he'd seen Britney Spears wear, but yet so much classier. She looked great by his side, like a glittering jewel, and he knew it.

"I'm still surprised... Amazed... That you agreed to this." He said softly, his heart raising up to his sleeve.

*Maybe I'm crazy to suppose

That I'd ever be the one you chose*

"Why?" She giggled. "You're the sweetest, cutest guy I've ever met. How could I say no? I'd be stupid to say no!"

He looked surprised.

*Out of the thousand invitations

"Kel, I gotta tell you something."

"What's that?"

"I love you."

Her eyes widened.

"Y-You love me? In what way?"

"In the way that I can't stop thinking of you, and have the desire to kiss you until you're breathless." The words came out in a rush, and his cheeks began to burn.

She suddenly looked so happy, he thought she'd start crying.

"Clay... Do you know how long I've been wanting to hear that?"

His jaw dropped somewhat.

"W-What?"

*Ooh, but in case

I stand one little chance*

"I love you, Clay." Tears touched her eyes.

He was too shocked to speak.

*Here comes the jackpot question in advance*

He spun her again, and she glanced at the clock. Fifteen seconds till the New Year.

Clay had a feeling it'd be a good one.

*What are you doing New Year's*

"It's almost midnight." She leaned her head back against his shoulder. She paused purposely and turned in his arms somewhat. "Aren't you gonna kiss me?"

*New Year's Eve*

He smiled and stopped moving as she kept swaying slightly.

As the clock struck midnight, and the New Year began all around him, he layed a soft kiss on her lips.

As he pulled away, she looked up at him with a tiny smile.

"Well, I know where I'm gonna be this time next year." She giggled.

He laughed, his eyes squinting. "So do I." And with that, no more words were spoken as they celebrated the New Year with a sweet, simple kiss.