Title: Countdown
Rating: PG
Summary: Matt x Near. You've got to have a New Year's kiss.
A/N: I was bored.
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The sky lit up with varied colors and booms pierced the night. Fireworks blasted through the sky and lighted up the ground below, the greens and blues illuminating the faces looking up, those whose eyes wide with wonder. And also those whose eyes were not so enchanted.
"I don't understand the fascination," Near said, squinting.
Matt stood on the fence that separated Wammy's House property from the rest of the neighborhood, his hands clutching the top and his feet in the gated diamonds two feet off the ground. It was one of the few times he had his goggles on his forehead instead of his eyes while he was outside. He had been staring intently at the explosives until Near spoke for the first time since they had gotten out there.
"It's supposed to be exciting," Matt explained.
"But why? It's only gunpowder and other chemicals."
Matt scratched the back of his head in confusion. He didn't know what to do with the kid.
"And it's cold," Near said, fighting back a shiver. He was out in only his pajamas and an extra pair of Matt's tennis shoes that were too big for Near. It had been spur of the moment when Matt coaxed him out of the orphanage.
"Uh… you don't like them at all? Not even a little bit?"
Near seemed to be thinking. His cheeks were flushed, either from the cold or from Matt watching him so intently.
"Well… I like the blue ones…"
Matt smiled. "There we go! You're on your way, kid."
"On my way…?"
"To becoming human," he said and grinned.
Near huffed, a puff of his breath coming into view and warming his pink nose.
"Well…" Matt pushed himself off the fence, landing on his feet beside the smaller boy. He lifted his wrist and regarded the watch for a moment. "Guess we ought to head back for the midnight countdown. If we're lucky, we can watch Roger get tipsy and sing the ABCs backwards like last year."
Near shook his head. "I didn't enjoy that. But you're right, we ought to get back." He turned on his heel and trudged back towards the lit-up building. Matt walked by his side and half way there, he stopped.
Near tilted his head back. "What?"
"Hold on," he paused. "Ten… nine… eight…"
"Oh! We're missing it!"
"Six… five…"
Matt stepped closer and grabbed Near by the wrist.
"What're you-"
"Two… one. Happy New Year. And since you're the only one around…" He leant in and invaded Near's personal space, which the younger boy kept note of, and planted a small but firm kiss on Near's lips, warming them and his own. Matt pulled back, a satisfied look on his face. He began walking again, at a faster pace. "Now, let's get back for that ABC song."
"Ah… what?"
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A/N: Totally off the cuff. x.x;; Review if you liked it, please.
