Snow pattered against the window. The heater was on, warming the otherwise cold house.
"It's been seven months since the East River catastrophe," Maya Natsume reported, the TV played in the background. "There has been no sign of Jaiden, once again having retreated into his quiet domicile."
The phone rang loudly. Footsteps echoed as Cornelia rushed towards it.
Cornelia picked it up, singing, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Cornelia," Jaiden replied coarsely.
"Jaiden," she sang. "It's been so long. How are you?"
"Good. As is Mr. Mace," he added.
"That's lovely to hear," Cornelia said. "I was thinking you could come over. Take Olivia out for dinner. Or do you prefer Ophelia?"
Jaiden chuckled. "I'll have to pass."
"What?" She gasped. "Why?"
"I already promised someone I'll have a Christmas dinner with them," he admitted, a lightness in his tone.
A smile crept across her lips. "Oh alright. Next year then?"
"Next year," came his reply.
Cornelia De France hung up the phone gently. She lifted her head to a portrait of Harrison and Maede Maximoff.
"Your son's in good hands, my darlings," she whispered. "I've never heard him this happy in years."
_________
Bowman stood by the door, waiting patiently at the nursing home. She looked up, smiling as Jaiden approached her.
" Детектив ," he nodded.
"Did you just insult me?" She laughed, leaning off the doorframe.
Jaiden shrugged. "I wouldn't dream of it."
A long brown coat hugged his body. His red hair was styled in a short ducktail pompadour.
"Is he in here?" He asked quietly.
"Yes," she nodded. "And he's very excited to see you."
"I'm glad," he smiled.
"I'm surprised you came," Bowman admitted.
"Despite out differences," Jaiden answered. "I've always respected your father."
Jaiden offered his arm and she linked with him. The two entered the building, curtly waving at nurses.
She guided him to the patio. In a rocking chair was a sixty-six year old man. Wrinkles dotted his pale face. Gray hair was worn short.
He wore a blue striped polo shirt, brown trousers clung to his hip by a black belt. His pale brown eyes landed on his two visitors.
Jaiden pulled a chair. He sat down, smiling.
"Special Agent Bowman?" Jaiden began.
The old man raised an eyebrow.
"It's me, Jaiden Maximoff," he continued. "Remember?"
Clyde's eyes widened. Bowman reached out his old wrinkled hand. Jaiden took it firmly.
Clyde squeezed tightly. "Jaiden Maximoff."
"You remember him, Daddy?" Bowman smiled, blinking tears.
"Of course I do, Mallory," Clyde chuckled, releasing his grip. "You haven't aged a day. That's uncanny. Are you sure you're not a vampire?"
Jaiden laughed. "No. It's genetics."
"You missed my birthday," Clyde admitted. "To be honest, I forgot I had one."
"I 'm sorry for missing it. I was fighting my own demons," Jaiden smiled.
"Your wife's...death," Clyde nodded. "Is on the same day as-"
"Let's not bring up the past," Jaiden cut in.
"Of course," Clyde said. There was a pause.
"Are you at peace?" He questioned.
Jaiden raised a brow.
"You've finally arrested the Esposito family," he added.
"Valentina's still at large," Jaiden stated.
"Are you at peace?" Clyde demanded.
Bowman glanced at Jaiden.
He nodded. "Yes, Clyde," he said, voice breaking. "I'm at peace."
Clyde beamed at him, a relieved glint in his eyes. "That's good. Be at peace, Jaiden."
_____________
The wreath knocked against the door as it creaked open. Bernard slipped past. He turned, blinking in shock at the mysterious figure.
The boxer hit the ground. Chad loomed over him, bouncing on his feet.
"Come on," he urged. "Put up more of a fight, will you-"
His words caught in this throat. The figure stepped inside, tossing aside her coat.
She stood, wearing black tank top, black jeans and black boots. Her black hair was pulled tight in a ponytail.
Ray stepped out, and froze.
"Laila?" She gasped.
Laila rose her hand, smirking. "Put 'em up, Chad."
Chad stepped over his downed opponent and hesitantly raised his hands.
Laila beckoned him on. Chad lunged, only for his fist to be caught.
Her foot hit his ankle, knocking him to the canvas.
Marshall and the others 'oohed'.
Ray stroked her chin thoughtfully.
Chad shook it off, gazing up at her.
"Knockout," she winked.
Ray walked over as she exited the ring. "I guess you're no longer interested in being a boxer."
"Not anymore," Laila sighed. She fished for her pocket, and handed her a check.
"Mr. Maximoff sends his regards," Laila smiled.
Ray took it gently, staring at the amount: five thousand dollars.
Jada patted her shoulder before heading for the exit.
"Wait!" Chad called, slipping out the ring. Laila turned as he jogged towards her.
Marshall and Henrique glanced at each other. The gym fell silent.
"You forgot your jacket," he smiled.
Marshall and Henrique groaned. The other men shook their heads disappointedly.
"I mean..." he laughed nervously, scratching his head.
"Friday, 8:00, at Starbucks. Don't be late," she winked. Taking her jacket, she slung it over her shoulders.
Chad watched as she exited through the door.
He fist- pumped, gritting his teeth in elation. Marshall and Henrique nodded like proud parents.
The gym bros smirked and resumed their workout.
Ray eyed the paper, smiling.
__________
Marigold Frederick, scrubbing the plate furiously, looked down at her phone buzzing.
She yelled, "Harold! Could you get this, please?"
Her husband grumbled as he marched over and picked it up. He answered, "Hello?"
"Hi Dad," Ciema's voice came through.
"Ciema?" He blinked. "What the hell? Where have you been?"
"Busy," she answered. "I got a job at Maximoff Inc."
"Oh..." he leaned against the counter. "I'm shocked."
"There's an envelope coming," she explained.
The doorbell rang.
Harold wearily went to the door. He opened it and found an envelope on the mat.
Picking it up, he opened it.
There was a check of five thousand dollars.
"Merry Christmas, Dad," she said.
The line went dead.
"Ciema?" he shouted. "Ciema! Come back, I-I'm sorry..."
Ciema smiled in the shadows. She climbed into the limo waiting.
"I know."
_________
Catherine raced for the ringing door bell. Opening it, she hugged Jada tightly.
"Jada, you're back," she smiled. "Oh, and you brought friends."
"Yep," Jada smiled. "This is Laila Edwards and Ciema Frederick."
The girls wore matching tea floral dresses: Laila wore green, Jada wore purple and Ciema wore red.
"Howdy," Catherina offered her hand. Laila shook it. "I'm Catherine Guytan."
"Lovely name," Ciema bowed.
Laila released her hand and Catherine stepped aside as they entered.
"Welcome, welcome," Mrs. Guytan greeted them. "Will this secret guest join us?"
"Soon, Mommy," Jada assured her.
Henry stood by the door, smugly wiggling his eyebrows. "When he answers, I'll hit him with this."
He gingerly revealed the pie.
Connor shook his head. "Bad idea, brother."
Henry merely shushed him.
The door bell rang.
Henry opened the door, slamming the pie into his father's face.
His smile fell when he realized what he had done.
"Dad," Henry swallowed. "I'm sorry."
"Boy run," Mr. Guytan growled.
Henry sprinted off. Mr. Guytan roared like Kratos as he pursued.
"He will be the death of us," Mrs. Guytan muttered as Jada laughed.
"So who's the mystery man?" Emmie leaned against Jada. "Your man."
"Ah, notice me senpai!" Jada cried dramatically.
The girls burst out laughing.
"Oh I wish," Jada giggled.
________
"Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas," played softly in the background.
Mrs. Guytan set down the ham. She smacked away Connor's hand. "No."
Connor pouted.
Jada affixed the star on the Christmas tree. "Thank you, Laila."
Laila grunted, buckling under the weight. "You're welcome, now get the hell off me."
Henry sobbed on the couch dramatically. Catherine comforted him.
"He was so scary," he wept. "How can a man that large move so fast?"
The door bell rang. John swung the door open.
He looked up, stunned.
Jaiden waved, Chi Chi in his hand. "Hi. Merry Christmas?"
John stepped aside. Jaiden entered, nodding. Mr. Mace followed, Rufus and Bartholomew at his heels.
John slowly closed the door.
Jada, spotting him, ran towards him. "Jaiden!"
She took Chi Chi gently, rubbing her nose.
Jaiden raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Jada winked. "I said hello."
Everyone froze.
"Jaiden?" Mr. Guytan peeked around the corner.
Jada turned, nodding. "Yes, my boss, remember?"
"Welcome to our home, Mr. Maximoff," Mrs. Guytan bowed.
"Please stop," Jaiden laughed.
"Ooh la la la," Emmie wiggled her eyebrows. "I like his accent. So British."
"Why is he so tall?" Henry whispered.
"He's 6'2," Catherine replied. "This is normal height for men."
"To the table?" Mrs. Guytan urged.
Everyone moved to the dining table, pulling chairs to sit. Once settled, Mrs. Guytan extended a hand to Jaiden.
"Let's say grace," she said.
Jaiden stared at it.
Mrs. Guytan, noticing gasped, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend."
"No, no," Jaiden spoke quickly. "It's just... I haven't prayed to him in a long while."
"It's not too late to start," Mrs. Guytan said gently.
"Amen," Mr. Mace nodded.
Jaiden clasped her hand tightly.
"Heavenly Father," Mrs. Guytan began. "We thank you that we've survived the year and are present to celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ."
The Guytans hummed in agreement.
"And God, we pray for good tidings and great joys to follow us continually," she added. "Whatever your plan is, may it be fulfilled. Amen."
"Amen," they answered.
"Amen," Jaiden whispered.
They raised their heads.
"Now dig in," Mrs. Guytan smiled. "And spare the ham."
Henry, Connor and John frowned.
Jaiden reached for his plate and Mrs. Guytan took it. He raised an brow.
"Let me help you with that," she smiled.
"Thank you," he nodded curtly.
"What about me, Mommy?" Jada frowned.
"You are not the special guest," Mrs. Guytan countered.
"Fair," Jada sighed, a smile tugged on her lips.
"This is nice," Jaiden muttered. "Of course," Mrs. Guytan replied.
He smiled in response then scanned the table. His eyes met Ciema's.
She nodded in his direction.
"Are you at peace?"
He nodded back in return.
He truly was. For now.
That was enough.