There are a million different sounds and smells surrounding you, as you walk through the town centre with your teammate, now-friend, and possible lover—and his mother and two sisters, as if the two of you weren’t already breaking enough regulations just being together for Christmas as it is. The city is loud and bustling, and it somehow helps you to feel a lot less out of place. Perhaps this Christmas wouldn’t be as lonely as the past few years have been for you—and if John has anything to say about it, it won’t be.

His sisters adore you, constantly complimenting you and showing interest in your life, telling you that you could do far better than their little brother—and his mother is just the same. Kind. Welcoming. Loving. You haven’t felt those things in a long time. The snow nips at your skin, crunching beneath your feet as you walk, causing you to sniffle every couple of seconds and rub your hands together for warmth.

“Can’t handle it, aye?” John chuckles from beside you, casually slinging his arm over your shoulders to bring you against his side. “We’ve done plenty’a missions in the cold, but this is where y’draw the line? Now, I am disappointed in you.”