Andrew
"Glad to hear that they're ok. Family, Serena and Grey."

*Ouch. Family. Katherine mentally flinched at the thought, but kept it inside as she set up the kettle and filled it with water, putting the powder into both of their cups, waiting as the water was brought to boil. Meanwhile, the fire warmed them both, casting a near golden glow on their faces.*

"Going to be honest, same here. I've been sitting by the fireplace with this a lot."

*Katherine quickly turns to Alde as he mentioned a beard, smearing snow on his face.*

"A beard? You look better clean shaven."
Mike
"Yeah, its refreshing to think they're doing alright."

*He would shift a little, as he glanced at the fire, watching it dance for a moment, as he waited for the water to heat up, and begin to boil. He wiped the snow away, nodding as he glanced to her, with a raised eyebrow.*

"You... Think so? Maybe I won't grow one then. It was something I thought might look pretty nice, but, if you think so, I won't try it."

*He said with a soft laugh, as he leaned into his seat.*

"Its... Weird not being with family for the holiday."

*He admitted, not realizing how hard the conversation might be for Katherine. He felt like he should remember something in the moment, but he struggled to figure out what he was forgetting in the moment.*
Andrew
*Nodding, Katherine grabs the kettle as it whistles, pouring the hot water into each cup, soon filled with hot steaming cocao, rich with the color of freshly cast bronze.*

"Might be me, but I don't really like beards. Never was a fan of them."

*The captain blew softly on the chocolate, pursing her lips to gently cool it down and not splash it onto the nearby snow. Alde with a beard... That would be a sight to see. A funny one, certainly.*

"What is it like, being with family for the holiday?"
Mike
"That's fair, beards aren't everyone's thing."

*He would nod as he looked at the cup, blowing on it, as he shifted a little in his seat. How does one explain this?*

"Well... For me, I was the sixth born child, so family gatherings were larger than most might see. But, it was nice, even if it was just my close family of my siblings, and parents. Gathering to spend time with each other, well, most of us. Haven't seen my sister in ages now, one year she just sort of... Disappeared, left home one day to try and convince some thugs from harassing us all the time..."

*He thought of the actual holidays since then. Always wondering.*

"Aside of the never knowing, it's been... Fairly joyous times, gift giving, and seeing people I typically don't see anymore. It means a lot to me, and it sucks I missed out this year."