[for Karen: NYE]

[formerfratboy]

Even with the island turned into some sort of Victorian wonderland, the island residents couldn't be deterred from having their traditional New Year's Eve party. Tradition meant a lot, after all, especially in a place where things were so often unpredictable. After the year they'd all had -- the disappearances, the magic, the murderous toys -- something normal was highly welcome.

And for Nick, the party was always a welcome milestone in his life, too. For he and Karen, so many years ago now, this was where it had all started. After much thought and nervous waffling back and forth, he intended to make this year's party the most memorable of all of them.

Dressed in the best Victorian finery he'd managed to find -- it had been all three piece suits and top hats and cravats for him, with the way the clothes had shifted to match their new environment -- Nick wound his way through the different tables at the party, picking up two glasses of champagne, and then heading back to Karen's side.

"The countdown's going to be here before we know it," he said, handing her the glass.

Comments

[callofkaren]

Though she'd gone with more comfortable things during the day and had a few occasions to dress up from time to time, Karen still wasn't over how crazy the corsets were. She'd made it only an hour into the party before she regretted it, and had to loosen the ties as much as she dared for some relief. It helped with all the food and drink she was eating, at least, and she was determined to enjoy her New Year's Eve in a city she'd only ever dreamed of visiting, even if it was the wrong century entirely.

At least she looked great.

She gave Nick a grin and thanked him for the champagne, already feeling a little buzzed from the few drinks she'd had and flushed with excitement for another year. It was a milestone for them, not only an anniversary, but proof that time had gone by and she still had Nick, when it seemed like everyone important disappeared one by one.

"I can't believe the year's already done," she said after taking a sip, and she reached over to straighten out a part in his shirt, which was mostly just an excuse to feel Nick up. Because why not?