Laugher bounced off the tall brick walls of the police station. Desks had been cleared away earlier that afternoon, streamers and garlands strung across the ceiling, and a live band was playing in one corner as people moved between the silent auction, the dessert table, and the dance floor. The new year's gala was underway, midnight fast approaching. Mira offered Freed a soft smile as he handed her a glass of champagne.

"Did I tell you that you look very nice tonight," Mira smiled, taking a sip of the bubbly drink. She loved seeing Freed's cheeks flush bright red. She reached out, brushing her hand over his chest and smoothing down the lapels of his suit. "This is very becoming." Freed cleared his throat, blue eyes glancing over her.

"You…" He paused to clear his throat again, "You look beautiful." Then he smiled a little, setting aside his champagne glass and holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Mira laughed, setting her glass next to his and letting him pull her out onto the dance floor, past the drink table decorated with orchids. Her silvery silk gown shimmered in the light of the police station-turned-ballroom. Freed let out a sigh, tucking a stray strand of green hair behind his ear before pulling her close and letting the music lead them in a gentle sway.

"This is how I want things to be," he whispered, "Always."

"What do you mean?" Mira giggled.

"You and me… music leading us to dance away every worry…" He mumbled.

"Hm… it's not like you to be so romantic," Mira said, leaning in close, their noses brushing. "You inspire that within me," he said, before closing the distance between them and kissing her. She loved his kisses, the ones that were soft… and the ones that were desperate… hungry for her… This one was the softest one yet, tender, full of unspoken promises. She tilted her head, kissing him again as he pulled away.

"Do you remember," she whispered, the music almost forgotten, but Freed lead… gently moving them in time to the violin and cello. "Not long after we first met, you came into the café… you wanted to ask me a few more questions about Lisanna. But I wasn't downstairs. Lucy was watching the shop. She told you to go ahead and knock on the apartment door, up above. And you did, but I didn't answer… Do you remember…?"

"I could hear you crying," he said, blue eyes meeting blue, like two oceans merging together and finally understanding each other… it was like they were the only two people at the gala.

"You came in and you found me on the kitchen floor, sobbing against one of the dining room chairs because I'd dropped the ring Lisanna gave me into the sink… And you dropped everything. You pulled open the doors under the sink, and took apart the drain and retrieved the ring. And when you gave it to me you told me you would find Lisanna, even if it meant walking through hell and back—for me."

"I remember," he said.

"I don't think I realized then… but I think that was the moment I started falling in love with you."

Freed froze, they both came to a stop in the middle of the dance floor. "In… love…?" he whispered. Mira felt a warmth fill her heart. She gently let go of his hand to straighten his lapels nervously before glancing up into his deep blue eyes.

"Detective Freed Justine, I love you."

"You love…" he paused, his cheeks flushed, eyes wide as if he couldn't quite believe it. "You love me?!"

"I love you," she murmured, "With every piece of me. You are my everything." She laughed a little at his stunned expression, how tense he was suddenly. "Did I break you?"

"On the contrary," he whispered, as if he were only just catching his breath, "You've put me back together again." And he kissed her again, pulling her close by her waist… hungry for more than just a kiss, hungry for her. "I love you too…" he breathed when the pulled away, all too soon. "I love you… so much, Mira…"

⁂

"It's five to midnight," Laxus whispered, glancing at his watch. Hisui could tell her boyfriend was tired already. He had to work today, and now the gala…

"Planning on disappearing right after midnight?" She teased, gently elbowing him.

Laxus grinned, "Only if her majesty, my queen, wants to come with me."

"There you are!" Mira's heels clacked on the floor behind them as she approached dragging Freed behind her. They both looked a little disheveled. Freed's hair was a mess, and his shirt wrinkled and, suit coat askew. Mira was frantically brushing her fingers through her long, pale hair.

"Is that a hickey?" Hisui giggled.

"Where?!" Mira gasped, frantically rubbing her hand along her neck and collarbone.

"Just kidding!" Hisui sang.

"Oh, haha!" Mira narrowed her eyes.

"Really?" Laxus snickered. "You two really couldn't keep it together for a few hours?" He glanced over at Freed, teasing glint in his orange eyes.

"No comment," Freed replied. But his red face was comment enough.

"The fireworks will go off soon." Mira said, "I'm glad we didn't miss it."

"It's kind of exciting to start the new year off with all of you," Hisui nodded, taking Laxus's hand in her own.

The countdown began. Everyone in the police station changing the numbers. Ten… nine… eight…

Hisui glanced up at her boyfriend. To more years like this one… to nothing but happiness for all of us!

Seven… five… four… three…

He turned to face her, golden eyes brimming with excitement. To another year with you, love.

"Two! One! Happy New Year!"

Laxus pulled her close, kissing her hard. Confetti fell around them, the fireworks began outside. A new year… A new year of us.

⁂

"I've been thinking a lot," Laxus said. It was quiet now, snow drifting down and blanketing the sidewalk as they walked back to the shop. Hisui had Laxus's coat wrapped tight around her. Her royal purple dress was far too cold for this weather.

"Thinking about what?" She asked, reaching out to take his hand.

"Us… and… the future." Laxus sighed, glancing down at her. "I love you." Her heart skipped a beat every time he said those words. They made her feel so war inside, so happy…

"I love you too!" She said, "More than anything."

"Hisui," he paused, and they both stopped walking, right outside the flower shop.

"…yes?" She frowned after such a long moment of silence.

"I can't imagine even one second of my life without you… you're everything to me… and…" Laxus took another breath, hesitating again. His cheeks were bright red, and not from the cold. Were his hands shaking?

Just over his shoulder, Hisui could see the baby orange tree she had brought in back in the fall when the weather was beginning to turn. It had just started budding the other day—little white flowers appearing on it's branches. Orange blossoms… eternal love. Her love with Laxus felt like it could go even beyond eternity… it was timeless.

"Will you marry me?" She blurted out before she could stop herself.

"Wh-what?!" Laxus stammered, gold eyes wide.

"I mean! Someday… will you… marry me?" She whispered, cheeks flushed.

Laxus let out of a low chuckle. "You beat me to it… yes." He gently cupped her cheek, raising her chin so he could meet her eyes. "I will marry you."

She pulled him down by the lapels of his suit to kiss him softly. He sighed against her lips, contented… happy… savoring the warmth they each offered in the cold midnight of January.

"Will you stay tonight?" She murmured, fiddling with the button of his jacket.

He grinned, stealing another kiss, filled with longing, and desire. "You know I would love nothing more."