#ltcortez

Between the two of them, there was a lot of Christmas spirit. Even if they weren’t excepting a lot of company besides maybe a few of the Normandy members, the spirit between them was enough. They had each other and that was what was most important.

As well as their three huskies of course, they even got their own presents which were by the tree. Getting them to stop sniffing them was hell enough.

A long day had taken its toll on James, mostly sorting out some N7 things. It was that same year that he finally completed his training after so many years of his own personal hell. It showed on his face, body, movements, everything. So he retired to their bedroom for the night. However, he would not get rest as he found something already occupying his bed.

Seeing it, figuring it was for him from Steve, a grin crept from ear to ear as a kind of child-like took him over. He went over to it, carefully taking apart the wrapping. The box didn’t help him figure what it was until he opened it. And then, silence.

His grin turned to a smile, tugging hard at his lips and he felt a storm of emotion begin to well up inside him. Fingertips brushed over the surface of the new refurbished plating, touching the new symbols engraved just barely. He felt that familiar ball in the back of his throat, then he took a slow breath to calm himself.

There wasn’t enough in him to pick it up and examine it, but it was clear that he loved it. More than love — words couldn’t explain it. When he finally spoke, it came out in choppy breath battered by his emotion.

He made his way against the usual crowds of the Citadel till he was at the spot they had arranged to meet at. It wasn't hard for him to spot out Steve amongst the crowd as he was actively looking for him.

A small smirk, knowing he was tardy, curled on his lips.

"You barely have room for the ones you have."

"You alright? You were frowning pretty hard."