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Fireworks exploded over the city like stars. The cold night air carried the distant echo of cheers and countdowns from the town far below
Artful leaned against the balcony railing, champagne glass cradled in both hands. Without the white face makeup, he looked… softer. Just a man with tired eyes and messy black hair streaked with white, ears flicking gently at every explosion
Devesto stood beside him, pretending to watch the fireworks while very obviously watching Artful instead
“Well,” Devesto said, raising his glass, “another year survived. Honestly shocked. I was sure I’d be dead or in prison by now.”
Artful huffed a quiet laugh, “You say that every year.”
“And every year I’m right to be surprised,” Devesto replied. “Life’s been… aggressively rude to me.”
Artful glanced sideways at him, rolling his eyes. “Yet here you are.”
“Yeah,” Devesto muttered, suddenly shy, scratching at the back of his neck. “Here I am.”
They fell into a comfortable silence. Fireworks thundered overhead, bright enough to paint Artful’s face in shifting color. Devesto swallowed, his usual cocky grin slipping into something more nervous, his throat dry.
“Hey, Artie?” he said, “No.. Jean”
Artful paused, staring at the way Devesto fidgeted with the stem of his glass between his fingers. “Yes?”
Devesto exhaled. “I’m not good at this part. Feelings. Emotional honesty. I usually just quote dumb stuff or insult people until they leave.”
Artful smiled faintly, “I’ve noticed.”
“-But,” Devesto continued, words tumbling out faster now, “somewhere along the way, you stopped being just… company. Or trouble. Hell even a bad idea. You became-” He gestured vaguely, trying to not spill his drink. “The thing that makes my days not suck.”
Artful’s ears tilted forward, attentive, a little shy
“I love you,” Devesto blurted, then winced. “There. Said it.. I love you Jean.”
Artful stared at him for a long moment. Then he set his glass down carefully
“I love you too,” he said softly. “I just didn’t think you’d ever say it out loud.”
Devesto blinked. “Wait..That’s it? No dramatic pause? No sarcastic monologue?”
Artful smiled, stepping closer. “I’ve had enough drama this year.”
The countdown from the streets below reached its final numbers
Three
Two
One
As the sky exploded with somehow more light, Devesto leaned in and kissed him. It was gentle, brief, warm, genuine.
When they pulled back, Devesto smirked. “Wow. New year, new me. And a new boyfriend! We should go drop this achievement off at the drop box.”
Artful laughed, happy but a little annoyed as he rested his forehead against Devesto’s chest, “You’re ridiculous.”
“I regret nothing I say Artie,” Devesto said solemnly, lifting his glass again. “Happy New Year.”
Artful’s tail flicked behind him as fireworks exploded overhead.
“Happy New Year, Dev”