Author's Note: I apologise, as usual for the delay. Also, I did all of zero research, so I can't testify in favour of this bit's veracity; here's to hoping there are alcohol-related New Years celebrations in Japan.

Habit; 27

Neither of us drinks on New Years, though we are hardly not-drinking together. That would be too cordial, too normal.

No, instead, I sit at home with my living room curtains courteously open so he can watch with greater ease. Out of the corner of my eye, at fifteen minutes to midnight, I notice his coat is blowing in the ever-heavier wind; I almost invite him in.

I couldn't do that, couldn't reverse the power roles. He always sets the rules, and I always obey, and it could never be otherwise. It all boils down to an issue of possession.