New Year, New You (Waiter Version)

[Alternate Text: A header image of a close-up on a series of glasses that are being filled with champagne. The bottle is off to the side, uncorked as this photo was taken mid-pour; it has torn, gilded foil around its neck. The title is 'New Year, New You'; it's in a strong, black font with a golden glow effect around the letters to match the glassware carefully being filled up.]

EDIT: Okey dokey, apparently I can't indent text with hyperlinks. You won't be able to access them on Patreon mobile. Going forward I'll just bold those two lines that direct you elsewhere. It was fortunately a very quick fix, helped by Alex and Three, so the links should be working properly now. As always, feel free to reach out if something isn't and know I appreciate your patience as we all get into a new groove with how the websites interplay. 💚🥰😅

For this writing, the Returning Visitor is choosing to treat Mal as their secret, while their bond with B is left somewhat up to reader interpretation: if they're close to dating, if it's still in that 'will they or won't they phase', if the MC is reluctant to name their true feelings, etc. You can imagine your own level of angst with that part! However, B's familiarity is something the MC is relying on for comfort that's different from what Mal offers them.

"Stop it."

Your muttered command is hissed out, hardly competing with the harsh clink from your empty champagne flute colliding with the polished serving tray. Somehow, not a single drop of expensive alcohol sloshes out, kept perfectly contained and balanced, unlike your growing frustration. The classical music swells when you drag your gaze higher to stare at Mal, seemingly fitting your worsening mood.

His pleasant smile stays intact, but there's a darker emotion to…

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