I don't seek out guilt anymore than I seek out tattoos. [A beat.] Do you have them? I wasn't insulting those that do if you have.

Just that I get Clint's view. On why he left. Might be an asshole to his family, by following his duty.

She did. She believes in the mission. Wouldn't be taking a pay cut otherwise.

It's a bit obvious, but from what little I know of tattoos, I think it's more what it means to you? An idea might be old, but an artist can make it new. It's more what you want on your body forever. I say this, only from having talks with clients to get them comfortable with me but also genuinely finding their perspective interesting.

[There is a long moment of silence. Matt wants this for Kate. For himself. To have it all. His history, though? He respects Kate too much to lie to her.] I don't know anyone who manages both. Well. Minus Danny and Colleen, who are both doing the same thing.

Danny's a goddamn unicorn who punched a dragon in the heart while living in Brigadoon, though.

[No, Matt's not letting him forget that shit.]

You're important, too. You care and have money.

It's a big commitment. I've heard horror stories about people regretting what tattoos they've gotten. So. A lot to consider.

Laura's been in this line of work, too? I don't know much about her, I admit.

You're not sitting on your ass, Kate. I can't picture you ever doing that.

Saying grace is usually reserved for the dinner table.

Gotcha. So, a spy. Can't say I know many of those. I'm more familiar with ninjas.

You brought in security I couldn't provide for Heather at the hospital. I might not have been able to take a piss otherwise.

A simple 'thank God' would probably suffice, I wouldn't qualify that as grace. It's more an expression than a literal prayer in that case.

Yeah. A lot of ninjas and mobsters.

I figured you wouldn't take the compliment on behalf of Heather, so.

That was our code, people just started using it, too. It became common vernacular. Like Christmas is celebrated by plenty of non-Christians these days. Which is fine by me. The more holiday spirit the better, when it's all well-meaning.

The blind guy makes a punchline out of them.

It wasn't the bare minimum to me. It meant everything in that moment. And not because of my bladder.

I love Christmas. I didn't always, but I've grown to appreciate it. And I've absolutely built a gingerbread house. I want to try making my own from scratch sometime. I always want to, but then run out of time to make the dough, so I just help the Nelsons make theirs. It gets very competitive. They don't give the blind man a decorating pass.

It does matter, and you were. I won't forget it. I hope I can be there for you in turn.

I'm pleased you trust my decorating prowess. I was decent at decorating within the lines but Theo always said 'you're very pretty' when I made color choices. [Theo being Foggy's smartass but loveable younger brother.]

I worry about what you eat otherwise. Woman should not live on pizza alone.

I just hoped for the best. You've found my secret. I can't tell frosting colors apart. I can feel it hitting my face, though. Fuck it, let's do it sometime. Bunnies or otherwise.

Mhm. Breadsticks from the pizzeria don't count for enough diversity either, Kate.

[It is nice to hear the lightness in her voice. To remember it can exist.]

You just want to see me with a pastel mustache. I'm onto you.

It's still pure carbs, Kate. I'm making you vegetables.

Pretty sure that's gonna stick to my beard. The frosting. Be a pain in the ass to clean off.

Veggies taste great. If you don't think so then you haven't had them cooked well.