It was New Year's Eve and night had long since fallen. The toons and adults had been inside side, eating snacks and playing board games of all sorts to pass the time. The toons were somehow full of energy despite the late hour and were getting really competitive over their games. The adults kept things from getting too out of hand, but it was very loud and rambunctious. Mia, who had come to spend New Year's Eve with her husband and the Stein's, found herself a little overwhelmed from being with the toons and their antics. So Norman took her out to the back to have some quiet time with just the two of them.

"They sure are an… energetic bunch," Mia commented with a smile as she leaned against Normans. "They are sweet kids, but I don't know how Henry and Linda can handle them all the time."

"They can be a handful," Norman chuckled, wrapping an arm around Mia and holding her closer. "But they are normally more well behaved than this. It's only because it's a holiday that they can be a little wilder. Besides, if I remember correctly, our daughters could be just as rambunctious."

"True, they could be a lot to take care of. Especially after…" Mia went quiet for a moment and Norman tightened his embrace slightly to comfort her, reminding her he was here now. "At least they have you and the others to help with the toons. And once I move down here, I'll be willing to help when I can too."

"Have you found a place yet?" Norman asked.

"Yep," Mia nodded. "A nice little house on the next street over. I just need to finish up the paperwork then I'll be able to start the moving process. It'll be just perfect for the two of us. I still think you should let our daughters know you're alive, but I can understand why you're waiting. So I'll wait until you're ready to face them."

"Thanks, honey," Norman whispered, thinking over everything. He was glad to have Mia back in his life and he did want to see his daughters again, but he was afraid. He was afraid that they hated him for leaving them so long ago. Or if they didn't hate him, they would just look at him with disinterest because he was a stranger to them. He knew that only by trying to reconnect with them could he have any real relationship now, but he still wasn't ready. Norman was drawn out of his thoughts by hearing a loud commotion from the house.

"5… 4…"

Norman and Mia chuckled at realizing what was going on.

"3… 2…"

Norman embraced Mia, so happy to be facing this new year with her.

"1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Mia kissed Norman on the side of his projector head, laying her head on his shoulder as she enjoyed feeling his arms wrapped around her. Norman was so happy that Mia still loved him and with her at his side, he was sure he could face whatever challenges the new year would bring, even eventually facing his daughters.

Standing side beside, they turned to watch the fireworks as the toons and adults came pouring out of the house to join them. There truly was no better way to start the new year than surrounded by friends and family.