"I saved one more for you." Gendo pulled out a small box and held it up for her to see in the flickering candlelight.

"You didn't have to. I don't have anything else for you," Yui cooed with delight.

"Here. I just thought the mood would be better now as opposed to this morning. It seems more personal."

The smile on Yui's face stayed for a moment, then she looked hard at him. "This had better not be anything... kinky."

"No. You always think the worst of me. But if you don't want it..." Gendo started to put the box back on the floor.

"I never think the worst of you. Sometimes I... question your motives, but I don't think badly of you." She grabbed his arm, pulling it back toward her. "Don't tease."

"Here."

Yui took the box and opened it, revealing a delicate gold chain with a small oval pendant on it. "What's this for?" she asked, holding it up to swing slowly in the light.

"Whatever you want. You can put pictures in the locket too. I just thought..."

"I know. When they day comes, _when_, I'll put a picture of our son or daughter in it." She slipped it over her head.

Gendo sighed. "That was a huge mistake..."

"No, it was perfect."

"It's a little early to be opening the champagne."

"No, it's the end of the 1900's. I think we can open it a little early."

Yui watched Gendo pour two glasses. "I should give my father a call..."

"It's been a week since you last saw him; the call can wait until tomorrow."

Taking the glass, Yui sat down slowly. "I suppose. I just think now is a good time to keep tabs on him. You know... holiday depression."

"I know, but I don't think he needs mothering either. Give him some space. Mother me for a change."

"Mothering is the last thing you want. I know better. Let's just get drunk together and ring in the new year with a snore." Yui held up her glass for a toast.

"How could I resist that offer?" Gendo touched his glass to hers, and the subdued celebration began.

The only extra celebration when the clock switched from 11:59 to 12:00 was a simple kiss and a fresh glass of champagne.

"You want to head to bed now?" Gendo asked after draining his glass.

Sitting for a moment in the darkness, Yui then stood and went over to the glass sliding doors. She opened them and stepped out into the chill air on the balcony. She stood still and just listened, letting the sounds of celebration drift to her ears.

"Would you ever celebrate like that? Loud and rowdy?" Yui asked quietly as Gendo stepped up beside her.

"No," he admitted, standing close enough so that their arms touched, but that was the only contact.

"They all sound so happy."

"Aren't you happy?"

Yui couldn't answer immediately, looking at the lights that spread out before her. "Yes, but... not like that. Not because of the new year."

"Why are you happy then?"

"You. And even if you didn't mean it like this, what this locket means." She held the gold locket in her fingers, waiting for the day she would be able to put something in it.

"You're too sentimental. You always will be, and that's one of the reasons I love you." His arm slipped around her shoulders and pulled her against him.

They stayed that way as the noise of celebration died down into the morning. The sky darkened until it was a piece of black velvet draped over them, and the entire world seemed to be hushed.

"Always darkest before the dawn," Yui whispered.

"Not always."

The sky lightened gradually, coloring the few clouds dusky orange, then shades of pink and purple until the sun finally cast the first light of the new year on the two people watching it.