The touch at his shoulder was pleasant. Truth be told, even if Asher was careful to keep himself from having any known exploitable weaknesses, the man wasn't used to being alone. He always had some form of companion - often paid, to make certain that it was very clear the business arrangement was just that - in his life before, and going without that casual touch was even more difficult to get used to than the nicotine withdrawals.

"You should be more festive. Watch a movie, at least. I'm sure Scrooged or the one with the muppets must be playing on some channel. Or that godawful cult classic one."