Jake couldn’t stand most holidays, but the squadron only made his hatred for Christmas go over tenfold. Well, hate is a strong word, but.. he just couldn’t stand it! He couldn’t stand it. Everyone was so happy, so chipper, so excited, and maybe it was the fault of his childhood, but he never understood why.

Growing up, Jake usually got one or two Christmas gifts despite being an only child. And the weeks leading up to Christmas he’d listen to his parents argue over crap, and it’d only bring down the holiday mood. It was annoying, it truly was. Plus, his father would berate him when he’d be unappreciative of white socks and a wool hat— they lived in Texas.

The rec room all decorated, the hangar having fake snow in the corners to let the pilots have plenty of fun during the off-time before being sent home for leave. And everyone was just.. hanging out. Having fun. Having an amazing time. Jake felt guilty, almost, for not having as good as a time as everyone else.

Javy, Bob, Mickey, and all the men had tried to involve him with activities, and Phoenix tried to get him to join her and Harvard in arts and crafts, but Jake just wasn’t having it.

So, he left the base and headed out to the Hard Deck for a drink or ten. They didn’t get leave until Thursday, and it was Tuesday, so he’d have a future of drinks for this week. And he was lucky Penny always knew what he wanted.

The bar was empty— everyone was getting ready for Christmas. A few stragglers here or there, but he was like.. the only one at the countertop.