A/N – Just a really short New Year's Eve offering. It came together last night, wasn't planned, and there is a decided lack of attention to the details. So apologies to Danny, Rusty and all of you too. Speaking of the boys, they don't and won't ever belong to me.
A/N – In my mind this is set in the Plums 'Verse, the 1st NYE after the boys met. Danny is now 13 and Rusty is 11. But I can also see this occurring any time during their long, wonderful friendship. So set it when you like.
A/N - Three author's notes! The notes will be longer than the fic! The 2nd chapter of Plums (Rusty's backstory) will be up very soon.
It was cold on the beach. The sand dunes blocked some of the wind, but this time of year, the Jersey Shore is gonna be cold. They had a blanket and a thermos of cocoa and winter coats.
It was almost midnight and they'd snuck out of the house to watch the casino fireworks displays. It had been Danny's idea and Rusty had scoped out the perfect spot, and arranged for the supplies. Danny had laughed a little when he saw the ugly plaid beach blanket, but was grateful for it now. He bumped Rusty's shoulder by way of apology and then leaned back to study his friend.
Rusty was sprawled out, leaning back on his elbows studying the stars. He at once looked wise and vulnerable; young and old. Danny watched him lift his hand to his mouth and unconsciously rub his lip. He was wearing a pair of warn knit gloves. The finger on the right hand was unraveling. Danny took that hand and covered it with his own.
Rusty glanced at him, eyebrow raised.
An unspoken, but fondly meant, "What?"
Danny twitched. "Don't want you to be cold"
Squeezed his hand tighter.
And Rusty's mouth said, "Idiot." But his eyes said, "Thank you for seeing me; Thank you for caring."
And Danny's eyes replied, "Always"
And when the fireworks started, they snuggled up on the blanket and watched the heavens erupt with light.
"Happy New Year, Rusty Ryan"