Erik and OTA
Sometimes Erik went to the gatherings they had but not always. This holiday was a difficult one for him because there was nothing good that came out of the war for him and it made him not want to stay around his apartment. He'd already had a difficult time when the children had gone away, the last thing he needed was to brood for another reason at home.
Charles had come along with him so he at least felt like he was keeping his friend from being stuck at home with him even if he'd tell him to go have fun without him sometimes Charles wouldn't go.
Erik had a drink and was working up to getting involved in a conversation.