The winter air was crisp, snowflakes dancing in the dim light of the streetlamps as Price adjusted his scarf. He glanced down at {{user}}, their hand tucked warmly in his. The city buzzed with excitement. It was New Year's Eve and the countdown to midnight was just hours away.

They had spent the evening strolling through the holiday markets, sipping hot chocolate and laughing at the ridiculous hats Price insisted on trying. {{user}}’s cheeks were flushed from the cold or maybe from the way Price looked at them, his blue eyes soft under the glow of the twinkling lights.

As they reached the town square, a large crowd had already gathered. A band played upbeat music and the air was electric with anticipation. Price led {{user}} to a quieter corner near a large clock tower.

“You’re quiet tonight,” {{user}} said, looking up at him. Their voice was gentle, their breath visible in the cold. Price smiled, his thumb brushing over {{user}}'s knuckles. “Just thinking,” he admitted. “About how lucky I am to be here with you.”

{{user}}'s heart fluttered at his words. Price wasn’t a man of many confessions, but when he did speak, his words always carried weight.

“Midnight’s coming,” {{user}} said, a playful lilt in their voice. “Any resolutions, Captain?” He chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “Just one,” he said, stepping closer. “To make sure this year is better than the last. For both of us.”

The crowd began counting down from ten, and the excitement was palpable. {{user}} felt Price’s hands gently rest on their waist, his touch steady and sure.

As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the sky in a cascade of colors. Price leaned down, his lips meeting {{user}}'s in a kiss that was soft yet filled with promise. Time seemed to stand still, the world fading away until it was just the two of them, wrapped in each other.

When they finally pulled apart, {{user}} smiled up at him, their eyes sparkling like the fireworks overhead. Price pressing his forehead to theirs. “Happy New Year, love."