Chuck just drives off. Raleigh doesn't want to be around him and doesn't want Chuck around. He says he wants Chuck to be there but he keeps refusing his help and his presence and....he doesn't know what to do.

He gives him space. Doesn't push.

Isn't surprised when he doesn't call. But he stays in town, because he said he would and...well he has the time off anyway and it's the holidays and he might as well stick around. He can do some work from home.

The big tree in the center of town is being lit soon. It's fun, it was something Raleigh used to drag Chuck to it. Chuck actually hated going the first year, and pretended for the others. He'd be grumpy and cranky and cold and lean into Raleigh, tucking his face into his neck to hide the smile when the lights were turned on.

He hasn't been in a few years, and isn't sure he wants to now. Herc's practically pushing him out the door though, grumbling about how if Chuck spends another night moping on the couch watching Christmas specials with Max he's going to throw him out into the snow. So he's there, clutching a cup of hot spiced wine and hanging back from the crowd.