Fireworks exploded around them, and for once, it was the good kind. Kisses, hugs and affectionate words were exchanged, most of them between friends. Only one couple was present in their little group, but that was how it had always been, so it almost didn't bother her.
What did bother her was the distinct lack of a highly alcoholic drink in her hand, so she quickly excused herself in order to find something that would keep her wandering mind at bay. She was a leader, she knew her enemies well and fought them even better. Minako Aino only gave in to the temptation that alcohol formed to her once a year, and tonight was the night. Blonde hair swishing behind her, she made for the bar and ordered a strawberry daiquiri. On second thought, she ordered another one, downing the first in one go.
The waiter smiled flirtatiously, while putting a tiny orange umbrella into the fixed drink. “There you go, happy new year to you.” Grinning, she took the delicate glass and thanked the young man. Making her way back to the balcony, she found that all of her friends sans Ami had disappeared. She hugged the blue-haired girl from behind and held the glass containing the pink liquid in front of her. “Do you want to take a sip of my drink? It's very good.”
Ami chuckled. “Thanks Mina, but not tonight. I never drink on New Year's Eve. Aren't the fireworks beautiful? Look, did you see the purple one?” Craning her neck, she looked to the direction her friend had pointed to and saw the last remnants of purple sparks over a nearby building. A few lights illuminated the otherwise dark silhouette of the skyscraper, and they all belonged to the same group of windows. Behind them, she saw a lonely figure sitting at a desk, oblivious to the happiness that radiated through the city.
“Urgh, Ami, there is seriously someone at work over there. But then, so would you if I let you, sober as you are.” Shaking her head, she pushed her drink into Ami's hands and her hair into a pony-tail. “So, my dearest, what are you resolutions for the undoubtedly amazing new year?”
Her comrade pondered the question for a few minutes, while a comfortable silence settled between the two friends. It was a mark of how at ease Minako was with Mercury's reincarnation that she could stand the lack of words. Silence usually unnerved her.
A light blush crept over the pale girl's skin, when she finally answered. “I want to read a romance novel in public.” Surprised, Minako looked at her friend. She had expected something more along the lines of ' I want to find the cure to some terminal disease that most of you haven't even heard of', but the sweet simplicity of Ami's statement led to a nod first, and a smile second. “ I think this is a very good goal you have set yourself there.”
Reclaiming the glass from her friend's waiting hands, she took a sip and instead of watching the fireworks, found her eyes returning to the lit windows and the person behind them. Why would someone want to work on this particular night? All alone in an office, cooped up with memories and thoughts and hopes and... “So, what are your resolutions, Mina?”
Laughing easily, she answered: “For one, I want to find out why you insist on staying sober tonight. And then I want, hang on, I want...” Green eyes looking at me as if I am the most precious thing on earth. Strong arms holding me tight, allowing me to let go of control. Silver hair, soft to my touch even though it belongs to a men who is as firm as the stone he derived his name from. Gulping the rest of her drink, she continued quickly. “I will try to get the cute waiter to give me his number.”
Peering through the open doors, she winked at the dark haired and blue eyed man, who in turn laughed and held up another drink with the signature orange umbrella.
In the skyscraper not far away, he finally turned the lights off, and went home.
