Happy New Year!

Rex vs New Year

"Holy… do you see how many people are here?" Noah gaped at the crowd.

"I guess everyone wants to see the ball drop." Rex noted.

"I told you we should have come earlier." Claire said.

"I'm not standing out in the cold for the whole day!" Noah protested.

"Circe had the right idea of staying home." Claire muttered as the crowd around her jostled her.

"Yeah, there's no way we can see the ball drop from here. And if I had to watch it on a television screen I would have stayed home." Noah agreed.

"Oh come on!" Rex jumped in suddenly. "Being here, experiencing it for real, isn't that so much better than sitting on a couch at home?

"In pajamas." Noah added.

"Sipping hot coco." Claire continued.

They looked at each other.

"See you later Rex." They both made their way out of the crowd.

"Fine, you traitors!" Rex yelled after them. "I'll be the only one to celebrate the coming of the new year in real time!"

Noah waved a hand without looking back.

Rex clicked his tongue in annoyance but turned back to where the view of the ball was obstructed by tall buildings. A thong of people kept him from getting anywhere near where the ball would drop to signify the new year. The giant screen broadcasting the ball drop was showing performances by music groups that Rex had never heard of.

Rex frowned. Circe was right. There were too many people. If they had wanted a prime spot, they should have staked their spots this morning. But it was cold and he didn't want to have to use a bottle if he had to go to the bathroom. Well, Circe and Claire nixed that idea. Rex looked around. All he could see was people craning their necks to look at a screen. He gritted his teeth. This won't do. He pushed his way to an area where there was more room which was even further away than the destination. He grinned mischievously. Now that he was by himself he could do this.

He formed his Boogie Pack and shot into the air.

"Heh, who has to stay on the ground when you've got wings?" He thought smugly to himself. He flew to the building in front of the ball and sat on the ledge after he rescinded his wings.

"All I need is a drink and some chips." He said with satisfaction.

"Hey, buddy!" A stern voice called out.

"Huh?" Rex looked around.

"Over here!" The voice sounded more annoyed. "This is the metro police. No unauthorized person is allowed up here."

"Oh, it's ok." Rex relaxed. "I'm from Providence."

"I don't care if you're from the moon. You can't stay here unless you have the permits! I can't even let my own mother up here." The voice seemed to be coming above him.

Rex cautiously looked above him. A man in a police uniform was glaring at him.

"Oh, haha, officer. I was just inspecting the ledges… I mean the crowds for EVO's." Rex said nervously.

"Do you have permission?" He asked.

"Permission? I mean who needs permission? Do you know who I am?" Rex suddenly felt a cold chill down his back as he said that.

"I didn't know you were such a dutiful agent, Rex." A familiar voice interrupted them.

"S…s…six?" Rex gulped. Sure enough the top agent's head appeared beside the police.

"I did give you the night off to celebrate with your friends but since you love working guard detail so much, I guess I have no choice but to find something for you to do." Six said humorlessly.

"No, Six… it's not like that." Rex stammered.

"Get up here." It didn't sound like a request.

"I'm coming." Rex resigned himself.

0o0

"Wow, this is so much better than standing for hours in the cold to catch a glimpse of that stupid ball." Claire said as she snuggled next to Noah.

Noah's face was starting to turn read, but he still placed an arm around Claire. "Yeah, and a cup of hot coco is great too."

"See, I told you this is better than wasting your time in crowds of drunk people." Circe said as she passed a plate of cookie around.

"I wonder how Rex is doing?" Claire pulled the blanket on her lap higher.

"Haha, don't worry about him. If it's Rex I'm sure he's having the time of his life.

"Well, I have some sparkling grape juice. Shall we toast to the new year?" Noah lifted his glass.

"To another year, as friends and family continue to grow." Claire said.

They clinked their classes before sipping it, each thinking about what to new year could bring.

0o0

Meanwhile…

"Rex! Keep this area clear. The performers need access to the stage. If you can spend time sulking, you certainly can spend time guarding this area." Six growled.

Rex groaned. In the little area under the stage, he couldn't even see the screen anymore. The new year was off to a dismal start.

"Hey, working on New Year's Eve?" A performer asked as he walked into the resting area.

"Yeah." Rex said gloomily.

"That's tough buddy." He rummaged in his pocket. "Here, this is for your trouble. Happy New Year!" He walked away.

"Huh?" Rex looked at the paper in hands. It was two tickets to a sold out concert that he had wanted to get. "Hey, thanks!" The man was gone. Rex shoved the paper into his pocket. Maybe next year won't be so bad.

"Rex! Clean up in the back. Someone puked." Six ordered.

Then again…

Rex:0 New Year: 1