"We're in between missions at the moment. One of my team wanted to check in with his mom's family on the down low for the holidays so I decided to head back here for a while. Safer than anywhere back home."

And it hurts to admit that but he's the one who made this bed. He has to sleep in it now. The choice isn't one he regrets even if he misses the way things used to be so bad it's a sickness some days. He's usually too busy fighting his way forward. It's enough to make anyone tired.

"It's a good Christmas party, yeah." He's not got a whole lot for presents this year either, but spending an evening sharing a meal with Amelia is as good as one for him.