Mal Reynolds & Hannah Lewis
Hannah hadn't realized it was so late, so the countdown caught her be surprise as well. "Oh! It's nearly time."
"They're counting down to midnight and the start of the new year. That's when everyone toasts the new year--good thing we've got our drinks refilled."
She joined in the countdown. "Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!" Her last words were almost drowned out by others shouting the same, as well as cheers, and the pop, buzz or piercing whistle of noisemakers inside--and the boom of fireworks outside.
Hannah drained her drink and slapped the empty glass on the bar. She was tempted to give Mal a kiss on the cheek, but he seemed rather reserved, if not prickly. He might not welcome unasked-for contact. So she settled for smiling at him. "Happy New Year, Mal."