A/N: This is a birthday gift for quiescentsoul- curse my procrastinating ass for procrastinating. I put it here cause I don't know where else, if you want me to put it in my journal just say the word and I shall. Hope you enjoy it Ji. And I'm sorry again for publishing it so late. Character is Chuuya Nakahara from Bungou Stray Dogs.
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New Years Eve...

A time of excitement as everyone awaits a New Year, a year for some people to make a fresh start. Or just a continuation for some other people, an ordinary day. And for others it's a chance to just celebrate...

In the silence of the evening a click of the tongue suddenly erupted from a certain person. The illuminated screen of a cell phone being the only source of light. In the handheld possession of a certain orange haired male. His scowl was eminent on his face, and he heaved a bag over his shoulder. Even his posture seem unguarded. A little strange for one of the most dangerous men of one of the most dangerous and well known organizations in Yokohama. People would tremble at the mere sight of him, especially if they commented on his height. Nonetheless he was a man of fear to many, except a few. His loyalty, his actual caring side, his "light in the abyss of the dark" others find hard to see, because he rarely showcases it. But only for a select few would be show a different side of himself. And one very special person, he showed it all.

He continued to tread quickly through the frigid air. Just 20 minutes until a new day, a new year arrived. But his mind was occupied with one person, for there was another reason why the upcoming day would be so special. He arrived at a small living quarters, his knuckles rapping the door. He waited for a minute before clicking his tongue, his impatience really wasn't helping him at the moment. Perhaps she was busy? Not more than another minute later and the door opened; revealing a young lady in quite casual clothing. Her curious eyes widened as they laid upon his figure leaning on the doorway.

"That's quite a way to dress, considering your birthday is less than an hour away." He remarked, quite smugly in fact, making the girl cross her arms and huff.

"I didn't realize you were coming. I thought you were busy?" She said changing the subject. He entered her house, passing by her and ignoring the look he was getting. He let the bag rest on a nearby chair, and she couldn't help but gaze inquisitively at it. But she shook her head, awaiting his answer. He glanced at her form; her arms remained crossed and her posture stiff. What seemed like a glare gazed at him from her shining eyes. He didn't blame her for being a tiny bit upset with him, after all, he took his work first and very seriously. Even if he felt guilty afterwards for not spending at least a little time with the one he loved.

"I'm not, well anymore at least. Shockingly they gave us a break for the New Year. So I figured why not come here?" He asked. He never really was the best with his words, when it came to soft emotions at least.

"I'm shocked you're not even drunk." She said, her tone turned to a tease and she snickered at the slight offended look on his face.

"Hey I may drink a lot, but I have some self control!" He argued with an irk mark appearing.

"Some." She repeated; it made him annoyed, but not as much. He had to admit to himself that he missed the banter.

"What's in the bag?" She asked.

"Booze." He stated bluntly. She rolled her eyes and shook her head, muttering to herself before turning away. Internally he was relieved she bought that white lie easily, or rather half lie. There was indeed alcohol in there, but something else. Something really special only he could give to her when the moment arrived. She fiddled around with something's taking two mugs.

"Well before that, would you like something that won't make you intoxicated?" She asked.

"Tea I guess?" He said.

"You guess?"

"Fine. Tea...please.." He said quietly. She nodded not before spreading a thin grin across her face. Meanwhile Chuuya just sat down and got comfortable. He always loved coming to her house, since she lived alone, and in a relatively quiet space. It was such a change, but the atmosphere pleased him at the same time. Up to this day he still had no idea how she managed to fall for him. It was a clash of two worlds. But they made it work, and they made themselves happy with each other. He couldn't help the tiny smile just at the thought.

"Is that smile on your face I see? Nakahara Chuuya?" She grinned at him setting down the mug on the table. He clicked his tongue, turning away like the stubborn man he was.

"As if." He said taking the mug in his hands. She smiled, staring down at her drink as her thumb rubbed the rim. His eyebrow raised, pausing from basically swallowing his tea in one go.

"I'm very happy you actually came. I was starting to lose hope of ever seeing you again." The statement made him freeze. Cautiously taking his mug away from his mouth he peered at her observantly. He didn't expect the sudden glossy eyes to peer at him back. His brain had started to spark with questions.
"And you remembered my birthday too."

"I'd never forget your birthday."

"For the longest while, I thought you forgot about me." She said not hearing him.

"Shut your mouth right there." It came out harsh, but he didn't want to hear anymore. He felt it, and knew just how the feeling of pessimism started to weigh down on her and he wouldn't have it. In his eyes, she didn't deserve to feel that way. He abandoned his place, kneeling in front of her. Hesitantly taking her face into his hands, in  cradling manner. He wasn't one to be romantic, but he couldn't help but just become a sappy mess when around her.

"Why the hell would I forget about you? You're one of my most favorite people in this damned city," He paused pressing his lips into a thin line. She could feel her own eyes burn as her body just slumped. She sighed heavily, fatigued.

"It just hurts a lot. Not contacting for almost a month. And then work started piling on me one by one. The stress..." She continued to ramble, feeling the weight heavily hang in her chest. Chuuya remained silent and listened, ghosting his thumb over her cheek.

"I get worried so much about you...."

"Well then it's my fault. I should be more considerate. It's just fucking hard with all these assignments. And just...some things I'd rather not involve you in." He said. There were times where their relationship really took a turn. Chuuya's loyalty to his dangerous tasks usually led him away from that. And he couldn't help but berate himself.

"Shit...I'm sorry Ji." He said quietly.

"No. It's fine. You're trying at least, and that's enough." She said grasping his wrist with one of her hands. He thought for a moment, and before he realized he was embracing her. Strong and tight, like the connection between them both.

"You're also trying. And just...fuck...I can't think of the words...but I just...I fucking appreciate you for tolerating me this far. For loving me, that's something I wouldn't trade in the world ever, and I should be putting it above else." He said. They shared their embrace in a tender moment, just letting the silence take over. They didn't need too many words, just moments like these where they were there for each other. Where they held each other, and just showcased love. Ji let her head rest on his shoulder as the moments ticked away.

"Ah..." She gasped out as she saw the time. It read 11:58 p.m, 2 minutes.
"I didn't realize it was this late." She mumbled. Chuuya let go, and also peered at the digital numbers.

"2 minutes..." He muttered letting a grin form on his face.

"What's with the grin?" She elbowed his side. He didn't answer but instead let his hand clasp hers. She could feel her face heat up, glancing at his serious expression. He stared down at the time, it ticked, and the countdown was left with one minute.

"Chuuya, at least answer." She said a little irritated. But he didn't answer once again, eyeing down the clock. Just waiting...waiting for that one moment. Right before she knew it, Chuuya had tugged her toward him. Gingerly lifting her, until her tilted face had come into close proximity. His breath lingered on her lips, leaving her a mute, blushing mess.
"Ji...Happy New Year..." Finally the clock had strike midnight, "And happy birthday." He whispered before pressing down and closing the minuscule gap between them. She paused as he kissed, letting it process before she replied straight away. Their lips danced together in the kiss, heated and passionate. A solid minute passed before they separated, panting but content. Ji especially had the biggest smile on her face as she looked up at him. She couldn't help but snicker at the redness of his face.

"Thank you." She said.

"That's not all." He said tugging her by her wrist to the bag. He searched just before finding a box. She blinked as he handed it to her.

"I didn't know what to get so I just went on a whim. I wanted to keep it a surprise too so.." He rubbed the nape of his neck in slight nervousness. Even more so when she opened it and he could hear the small gasp.

A silver pendant, heart shaped, embroidered with what looked like diamonds or crystals.
"It's beautiful." She said. "I love it."

He could feel his lips twitch up, "Well then, my gut instinct was right. Next time I'll be buying rings."

"Wait rings? What?!" She exclaimed. A sudden, but quiet, boom had caught their ears. Chuuya seemed to tense up, while Ji tilted her head. She walked to the door, opening it slowly. Chuuya right behind her like a guard. Her eyes caught a colorful light, and she finally opened it gaping with an excited smile at the fireworks in the distance.

"Oh so that's what that was." He mumbled.

"There's so many!" She pointed ecstatic to the many lights and colors in the sky.

"They're ok,"

"Oh hush." She elbowed him. She stood out to get a better view, admiring the many different forms. Chuuya shook his head but joined her, looking out at them. It seemed ironic for him, for they felt like a reminder of what he felt for the one right beside him. A luminescent love that could explode with nothing but pure emotion. It made his chest feel something not even the Mafia could. And he didn't want to let go. He never was good with romance, but she didn't mind that. Never good with the "I love you" either, but she took the sign. He wrapped his arms around her waist and let his chin rest on top her head. She understood him.

The fireworks continued to burst in the sky, and the two had another tender moment. For he let the atmosphere rest, and they kissed once more. The light of the New Year awaited them