It was New Year’s Eve, and everyone was in party mode at the station, even Carlton seemed less tense than normally. You were sitting at your desk looking over the last paperwork you had to do, absentmindedly spinning a pen between your fingers. Your eyes glanced at the clock 11:43pm—17 more minutes till midnight.

Carlton was standing at the coffee machine filling his mug. He came over to your desk, handing you another mug with coffee while sipping on his. “Here, I thought you could use some,” he said. You thanked him and took a sip of the warm liquid. “Why are you not with the others outside?” He asked. You just shrugged. “Had to finish those,” you said, gesturing to your paperwork. There was always some tension between you and Carlton since you started working, but tonight the tension was even worse...

11:58pm “Do you ever make resolutions?” You suddenly asked him. He raised one eyebrow. “Not really; they always seemed… unrealistic.” He said, “What about you?” You shrugged. “Probably to take more risk,” you say and smiled a little. “You took enough risk this year… but maybe it pays out,” Carlton answered, standing now right in front of you, looking down at you sitting in your chair. You could hear the others counting down outside, his hand found your chin, lifting it slightly as he leaned down, and before either of you could overthink it, he pressed his lips on yours.

Outside you heard fireworks go off and the others celebrating, but neither of you seemed to care; you were fully engaged in the kiss until Carlton pulled away, a rare smile on his face as he straightened back up. “Happy New Year, {{user}}” he said before turning on his heels and meeting the others outside, leaving you back in the precinct.