One-Shot: New Years' Eve Kiss
The snow flurries swirl around me as I clutch my muffler closer while heading into the Hob. Underneath my coat, I wear my blue Reaping dress. It is really the only nice dress that I own, the only option for nice events like this.
Tonight is the annual New Years' Eve party in the Hob. I decided to come alone, not bringing a date, after Gale convinced me that I actually needed to get out an have fun. I compromised by promising to meet him there tonight.
Gale greets me warmly, and directs me to some stools at Ripper's bar. We strike up a conversation, with Thom, the Miner Foreman. He's the youngest person ever to hold the post; he's only 20. Firm, yet fair. He commands great respect from his miner and most everyone in the Seam.
After a time, Gale gets up to ask Madge Undersee, the Mayor's daughter, for a dance. I scan the crowd, searching for another familiar face. I don't find her, but that does not stop me from teasing Thom.
"You gonna track Delly Cartwright down and ask her for a dance? Maybe a peck when the clock strikes midnight?"
As I predicted, Thom flushes beet red. He's been wanting to ask Delly Cartwright out for months; it's one of the worst-kept secrets in this part of town. "She couldn't come tonight." I can hear the regret in his voice, and I am sure he would love to kiss Delly Cartwright and ring in the New Year, if given the opportunity.
A chorus of voices goes up as the countdown now begins: "10!... 9!... 8!..." When it reaches one, couples fall into each other's arms. Usually, the kiss is shared by the closest person you encounter. So Gale kisses Madge, who looks positively delighted by the gesture.
Thom shrugs. "No takers."
I smirk. "Come here." And I grab him and kiss his lips soundly for a brief second or two. "There." And I get up and walk towards Gale on the dance floor. Gale saw everything, and the spectacle makes him chortle.
"Well, don't run away, Catnip! It's not like Thom caught the croup!"
I try to glower at him, even as my eyes twinkle. "Shut up."
