A/N: Same as before, thanks to dellaterra and smallandirritating.


Edward/Jasper

.

It's dark out. The whole day has passed me by. Again.

"You're not coming to Emmett's party," he accuses.

My eyes don't leave the screen; my fingers don't pause on the keys. "I've got a deadline."

"You don't do anything but work. For months now."

I don't answer.

"Tonight is important."

"Next year," I say with a wave of my hand. "I promise."

He slams the door shut behind him.

Hours later I'm done.

11:26pm.

I think of him alone at midnight. I think of his soft lips, and I want them against my own as the New Year begins.

I grab my coat, and hope that I'm not too late.

.

The air is heavy with fog, but for once my head is clear.

I think of him.

Those times he made me dinner, which went untouched as I stayed locked in my office. The nights he woke up alone, while I fell asleep on my desk. The disappointment in his eyes when I worked through Christmas.

All the words he's been saying that I haven't heard.

Damn it, I think to myself, and press harder on the gas pedal. Damn it.

11:57pm.

There is nowhere to park. I search the street in a panic, and finally pull into someone's driveway.

.

The house is full, and everyone is shouting.

Three! Two! One!

Each person grabs their lover and pulls them close.

He's in the corner, alone. I push forward, but the crowd is thick.

I watch as Emmett walks up to him, and pulls him into his arms.

Jasper falls into his embrace, and wipes a tear from his cheek.

Finally, I reach him.

"Jasper."

Emmett glares at me but leaves.

"Sorry I'm late," I mumble, and take a step closer. "Happy New Year."

I reach for his hand, but he pulls it back.

"Happy Anniversary," he says and walks away.

.