AN: Arguably, this is completely canon-compliant with Seasons 1 and 2 (so far). Thus, I think it does make sense even if you haven't read Every End is a Beginning. If you've read Two Paperclips and a Stick of Gum – this is also very much compliant with The Asset.
She smiled as she reached out and hugged Jack, kissing him softly and gently on the cheek, before reaching out to hug another one of her friends, the people who'd somehow found their way through her walls of stone and ice and into her heart, the people who'd become her family…
…Mac grinned, an expression of pure happiness, looking innocent and young – as he was, really – as he surveyed the several pounds of paperclips and duct tape and gift vouchers to his favourite appliance shop and hardware store he'd been gifted for Christmas…
…She smiled again as she dug into a plateful of Bozer's excellent cooking, finishing her plate before helping herself to another spoonful of the amazing coleslaw…
…Riley looked younger, lighter, happier, more innocent, as if she believed in magic again, and even though she swore that her heart was probably more stone now than flesh-and-blood, that made it feel light in a way that stone really couldn't be…
MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON
SOMEWHERE IN LA
Patricia Thornton's eyes snapped open and instantly, she remembered her situation. Her eyes darted around the walls of her prison, and then, she let them close for a moment, hanging on to her dream.
Hanging on to those memories. Those oh-so-precious memories. Moments of light and happiness and affection and care and family.
Internally, she fought not to let tears gather in her eyes.
(How quickly things could change; that Christmas, that wonderful Christmas, had only been a little over a month ago…)
Externally, she looked as calm and composed and cold as ever.
The benefits of a lifetime of training. The benefits of being a lifelong spy.
(She was not going to cry. Not now. Not here. Not when she was quite sure they – whoever they really were, though she had her strong suspicions, fears; not many people could pull off setting up the Phoenix's Director, after all – were watching.)
With an almost-inaudible sigh, Patricia Thornton closed her eyes again.
AN: #PatriciaThorntonDefenceSquad. Come to our side, we have cookies and Team-as-Family!
Tomorrow's ficlet: 'How's your gender-swapped mini-me, bro?'
Now, who would Bozer call Mac's gender-swapped mini-me? ;)