"She is doing what?" Gabriel questioned.

"I am surprised that I have to repeat myself. She's making herself more useful," Lyudmila replied.

"I assume you set this up and she wasn't recruited into their experiments," Gabriel glanced at the woman to his right. A week had already passed since he had returned from a joint mission with Overwatch agents and was beginning to situate himself back at HQ for a while.

He expected to see Kallista at her desk with a pout on her lips, but what Lyudmila had set up to keep her busy was unexpected.

"It only took you a week to notice," Lyudmila commented.

"I was busy," Gabriel replied and shrugged.

"If I remember correctly, you did say you wanted to keep her busy and out of the way. So here we are," Lyudmila coolly and crossed her arms.

"You're right. I didn't expect you to take it to this length," Gabriel sighed. Lyudmila turned to the man and gave him a small but sly smirk.

"Well, I had to quickly find something for her do to since you suddenly put her in my care,"

Gabriel sighed and crossed his arms. The two stood in front of the Overwatch's R&D Department's viewing room and watched as Kallista attempted to maneuver in a large and clunky gray suit. He had to admit it was a hilarious sight to see the small woman in something twice her size.

"I wouldn't be picky with solutions Reyes," Lyudmila commented and focused back on the tests.

"I guess," Gabriel replied.

"Besides...she's busy and she gets to field test the projects they are working on that may prove useful to us. It is a win-win situation, but she mentioned a good point yesterday as we spoke," Lyudmila began.

"Oh? What is it?" Gabriel asked partially amused. Lyudmila glanced at Gabriel and chuckled.

"She may be a civilian but she's definitely aware of her position. We already know that she is smart, and have the potential to succeed on and off the field," Lyudmila began.

"It sounds like you're vouching for her again, Lyuda," Gabriel suggested and turned his full attention to the woman.

"I am," Lyudmila replied bluntly.

Gabriel sighed heavily as he looked at the woman, he knew that she was right and he trusted her suggestion and advice when it came to the division. She had a different view and insight into the agents and their environments as she came from a military background as well.

"So you're telling me you want me to put her on the field again instead of desk duty even though she's more suited to be off the field," Gabriel began.

"I am suggesting you give her something to do that isn't menial and degrading of her skills," Lyudmila replied. Gabriel sighed heavily as he took off his beanie and scratched the back of his head before he placed the hat back on.

"I'll think about it," Gabriel replied.

"I can understand your hesitation, but remember she completed basics and you already know what skills she possesses. Don't limit her too much…I'm sure you can already see her potential," Lyudmila added.

Gabriel grumbled in response to the woman's suggestion, again he knew that she was right but wasn't completely convinced. He still had his reservations about the woman being on the field, especially with that serum in her system. He didn't know what to expect and didn't want to see what was to come of the consequences.

He didn't want to take any chances. But then again, maybe he was being a little too hesitant.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's not what she's here for, you know this," Gabriel sighed heavily.

"Yes, but we can also use her help and you know it," Lyudmila replied.

"We'll see,"


"Just a little bit more Kallista...are you still doing ok?" Alexander said as he watched Kallista's movement in the bulky armor.

"I'm ok right now...but I know that I am definitely sweating..." Kallista replied.

"That's good and bad…we need all the data we can get for this project. But let me know when you start melting," Alexander chuckled.

"A guinea pig to the fullest," Kallista half laughed as sweat rolled down her face.

"You're doing a great job, all of this data that we're capturing will be put to good use I can promise you that," Alexander replied.

"What about my heart rate? I feel like my heart is going to explode," Kallista added.

"We are watching your vitals as well," Alexander added.

"We just need you to do a few more movements Kallista and then we can take you out of that," a woman's voice came from over a speaker in the room.

"Alright," Kallista replied sarcastically.

"Out of breath?" Alexander quipped.

"Not in the least," Kallista said as she crouched in the suit and began to lunge in the suit.

"C'mon, let's see that Super Soldier in you," Alexander smirked.

"I could just punch you," Kallista suggested.

"I would like to keep my bones the way they are. Thank you," Alexander laughed.

The large bulky armor was a new project that the R&D Department was working on that consisted of two parts. The bulky suit was actually a contained an exoskeleton and a bodysuit that was made from an experimental material that channeled various elements through the suit and she could feel the various effects through the suit.

Kallista didn't know that the exact details of what the project contained but she willingly offered her assistance, anything to keep herself busy. The time that Kallista had spent with them allowed the project to move quicker than expected, in the next coming month Kallista would be able to field test the suit if given permission to do so.

"We got good data from this test Kallista. Let's get you out of that suit," a tall woman dressed in white said as she approached her.

"Please Sabina, I feel like I'm melting. I assume there will be some type of temperature control in the suit when you get to that point?" Kallista asked as she attempted to move.

"Of course!" the lead developer, Sabina, said as she and other technicians went over to the woman to help her out of the suit.

"Sabina we can have a design specifically for Kallista in at least three weeks," Scott said as he pulled off the chest piece.

"That's a good start, but we also want to make sure that we don't get delayed on our other projects. The director is a stickler about being on time," Sabina sighed.

"We have this, no worries Sabina," Gideon said as he lifted Kallista from the large bulky legs of the armor.

"Thanks, Gideon," Kallista sighed as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. The little movement that she did in the suit created a mass buildup of heat within herself and in the suit.

"You're welcome, lass," Gideon said.


"Oh...you're here," Kallista said as she down at the man sitting on the roof facing north. Gabriel looked up at her, slightly surprised.

"Didn't know you came up here," Gabriel replied.

"We're probably up here for the same reason," Kallista said as leaned on the structure's wall.

"Probably. Have a seat," Gabriel replied.

"Thank you," Kallista said as she sat down near the man placing a small bag onto the ground.

"...do you want some?" Kallista asked.

"What's that?" Gabriel asked as he looked up from his cell phone.

"...Dinner," Kallista replied.

"Dinner? Are you still not eating?" Gabriel sighed.

"I'm eating...just not at conventional times," Kallista replied as she pulled out a small sandwich.

"I guess?" Gabriel replied as he placed a cigarette between his lips.

"Smoking is bad for your health," Kallista commented. Gabriel glanced at her, cigarette still hanging from his lips.

"You're one of those people hm?" Gabriel started.

"It's not good for your skin either," Kallista added as she bit into her sandwich. Gabriel scoffed at the woman's comment.

"Neither is all of those energy drinks you drink," Gabriel replied.

"Touché…" Kallista trailed off.

"How is working with the R&D going?" Gabriel asked as he leaned back twirling the cigarette between his fingers.

"Oh, Lyuda told you…of course, she did," Kallista laughed slightly at herself. "I think it's going well. It sounds like they want me to field test the suit that they are making..." Kallista trailed off.

"Oh? With whose permission?" Gabriel asked. Kallista glanced at Gabriel unsure if she should answer the question or not.

"You know, I never thought to ask. I'm sure you or Lyuda will think of something," Kallista replied as she finished her sandwich. Gabriel sighed heavily at the mention of Lyudmila's name, he knew what they were doing in addition to Natalie's tactics of reminding him of her.

"Of course, listen," Gabriel began, Kallista arched an eyebrow at the man.

"I will have something for you. Be patient," Gabriel finished and took another drag of his cigarette.

"Wait...really?" Kallista asked surprised. Gabriel held out a hand slightly to stop her from becoming overly excited at his announcement.

"I need to make some arrangements and I'm not sure how long it's going to take. So don't go telling everyone about it," Gabriel added.

"I'm not that type of person," Kallista replied.

"Good,"

"But I'm also not going to say that I'm not excited…I am. You all may see me as a civilian, but I've gone through the training just like the other agents. I am just as capable as anyone else…" Kallista trailed off as her eyes met his.

"On and off the field,"

Gabriel quickly studied the woman's features before he hmphed and chuckled.

"You say that now…but we shall see,"

Silence fell between the two as they sat on the top of the Overwatch base, her attention on her late dinner and his attention focused on his cigarette.

"So...um...," Kallista began. "When...when were you exposed to the serum?"

Gabriel parted his lips slightly as smoke slowly slithered its way from his between his lips as he exhaled.

"Many years ago...it's still going strong surprisingly," Gabriel replied.

"Did you know about it?" Kallista turned towards him, her dark hair draping over her shoulder.

"No. Not at first. We just knew the type of training we had was grueling. At first, we all thought that it was just the grueling training they were putting us through," Gabriel began. "But...once people started vomiting, going blind, nose bleeds, people suffering from strokes…that's when everyone began to suspect something was wrong," Gabriel continued.

"That's horrible," Kallista said as she sat cross-legged in front of him.

"The effects were never the same for everyone. The ones that made it through the training…and into the service…" the man trailed off. "We wondered if it was worth it…it was and we did our jobs,"

"The first Omnic crisis…right?" Kallista questioned.

"Yes," Gabriel replied before he took another long drag of his cigarette before snuffing it out.

"I guess I should be thank you for your service huh?" Kallista joked. Gabriel chuckled slightly as he exhaled smoke through his nostrils.

"Probably," Gabriel smirked and chuckled.

"I was told to respect my elders," Kallista replied sheepishly.

"I'm not even graying yet," Gabriel frowned.

"You sure? I think I see some in your beard," Kallista pointed out.

"Really?" Gabriel said as he scratched his chin.

"I was kidding," Kallista said as she crossed her legs.

"What made someone like you go wrong?" Gabriel asked.

"Is it really wrong if you believe you are doing the right thing?" Kallista countered Gabriel arched an eyebrow at her question. Their eyes met for a second before Kallista smirked and ran her fingers through her hair.

"I could say a bunch of things...but honestly I have shit memory," Kallista sighed, Gabriel scoffed at the woman's response.

"That's a shitty excuse. You had the motivation, you had a motive. Don't lie to my face," Gabriel replied.

"Is that so? Then what do you think?" Kallista asked amused at the man's boldness.

"A young woman, wanting to stick it to the man because something happened to her or someone close to her," Gabriel flicked the butt of his cigarette and continued. "Out for revenge and found out that she was good at what she did and decided to take on something larger...and got caught,"

"Is that what you think of me?" Kallista laughed.

"Perhaps a run of the mill hacker…you, no," Gabriel replied and took another long drag of his cigarette.

"What do you think of me then?" Kallista asked with a coy smile spread across her lips. Gabriel leaned back and blew out smoke before he turned to her.

"Flirting with your commanding officer Kallista?" Gabriel chuckled.

"I am asking a simple question, Commander Reyes," Kallista replied simply. His copper-colored eyes focused on her for a moment, she ran a hand through her dark hair again her pale blue eyes on him as she waited for an answer. The soft squeak of the metal door caught their attention, breaking the silence between them.

"Oh?" Kallista began as she turned to see who had arrived.

"Hm?" Gabriel asked as the cigarette hung from his lips.

It was Strike Commander Morrison that had stepped on to the roof and glanced in their direction. Without a word, Kallista stood and dusted herself off. She grabbed her trash and began towards the door and gave the blond-haired man a slight nod

"Morrison,"

Morrison watched as the woman walked past him and back into the building followed by the soft "click" of the door closing.

"So what was that about?" Morrison asked as he walked over to the man still sitting and facing the setting sun.

"Getting to know my agents better," Gabriel replied as he lit another cigarette.

"Sure," Morrison shrugged as he sat next to the man and placed two cans in between them.

"Beer, huh. It's been that stressful for you," Gabriel chuckled.

"A little bit but just feeling a bit nostalgic," Morrison replied.

"Nostalgic, huh," Gabriel huffed as he remembered the conversation with Kallista about their exposure to the serum.

"You seem to be in a good mood," Morrison commented as he offered him a can as beer. Gabriel took the can and opened it swiftly, Morrison followed suit.

"I got fewer things to worry about for once," Gabriel replied.

"We'll see how long that lasts...something is always coming up," Morrison sighed as he leaned back against the cement wall.

"Oh, thanks. Shit on my parade Jack, "Gabriel said sarcastically.

"Someone has to do it eventually. Might as well be me instead of Natalie, "Morrison chuckled

"Whatever," Gabriel scoffed.


Several weeks passed as Kallista continued to work with the Overwatch R&D department on the new suits and exoskeletons for the Overwatch agents and continued to update Gabriel on her progress. Kallista knew that this was going to be a long project but didn't expect for it to take as long as it did, but she did understand that there were additional safety measures that were put in place to protect the wearer.

The sun had already set when the two came from the roof talking casually as they made their way towards the sleeping quarters for the Blackwatch agents.

"Sleep well," Kallista said and yawned.

"Night," Gabriel replied as he watched the woman walk down the hall obvious to the woman that casually leaned on the wall behind him.

"Nearly two years later, you're appreciating her good looks. Aren't you a little late Gabe?" the woman spoke.
"Sure I appreciate her, but not in the way you are thinking, Ana," Gabriel sighed as he turned to face the woman.
"Whatever you say, Gabe. I know it when I see it," Ana teased and shrugged.
"Welcome back Ana," Gabriel sighed. "I'm glad you're back unharmed,"

Gabriel started down the hall with the dark-haired woman next to him, Captain Ana Amari was one of the Gabriel and Jack's most trusted and longtime friend. They all fought in the First Omnic Crisis together and were the first members in Overwatch when it was established.

She primarily took the role of the sniper while in the group but her training while in the Sa'Ka Forces was something neither Gabriel nor Jack had ever seen before. While in the service the woman was like a mentor to them.

"Same and thank you. It's good to be back," Ana laughed as she walked with the man.
"What do you have planned now?" Gabriel asked.
"A bit of rest and relaxation with Fareeha, catch up on gossip and paperwork, you know the usual," Ana began as she yawned.

"Good," Gabriel nodded as he too began to feel the twinges of his exhaustion catch up with him.

"Also I heard about all of the secret talks you've been having with Kallista," Ana began, a smirk wide across her lips.

"Let me guess Morrison told you," Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"Perhaps, you forget I have more than one source and I'll never reveal my sources," Ana smirked.
"My Intel department isn't meant to be used like that, Ana," Reyes replied.
"Nonsense Gabriel and I never said anything about your little Intel department," Ana replied a huge smirk on her face. Gabriel sighed at the woman's antics.

"How long have you been back?" He asked in hopes of changing the topic.
"A few hours, haven't even fully unpacked or turned in my reports. I wanted to check in on you and Jack to see what has caught fire," Ana yawned.

"Have more faith in us Ana, how else are we supposed to grow up," Gabriel chuckled even though the woman was at least three to four years older than him. Recently, a feeling of uncertainty began to weave its way into his mind every time the woman had to leave on a mission. a feeling of dread hovered over him when it came to the missions that she had been assigned. He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind and hoped for the best for not just her, but for Overwatch and Blackwatch as a whole.

"I know you know that I believe in both of you…sometimes," Ana countered.

"If you can't handle us then how are you going to handle Fareeha when she gets older?" Gabriel asked.

"My baby girl is growing up so fast. She told me that she wanted to go to University but she also wants to join the military," Ana sniffed as she wiped away an imaginary tear

"Following in her mother's footsteps," Gabriel chuckled.

"Perhaps? Oh, she asked about you and wondered if you started growing gray hair from McCree and Natalie," Ana replied.
"That's rude. Ana, teach your child some manners," Gabriel half chuckled.

"She learned from the best...meaning you, Jack, Reinhardt, Torbjorn, Angie and do I even have to mention Jesse," Anna chuckled.

"Touche," Gabriel replied.
"Although, everything may be calm right now we keep moving forward and not forget that we're old and we can only keep doing this for so long," Ana replied as she looked at him.
"Yeah yeah," Gabriel grumbled as he pulled off his beanie and scratched his head.
"Thoughts about settling down?" Ana asked.
"No," Gabriel replied honestly.
"Really? You'd make a good father," Ana chuckled.
"You really think so?" Gabriel asked sarcastically.

"You already have five children you take care of. I think you're father material," Ana laughed.

"Don't remind me," Gabriel replied tiredly.

"But, seriously. You should at least think about it. We eventually have to hand it over to the kids," Ana continued.

"For the sake of the world, let's hope we don't have to anytime soon" Gabriel replied.

"Oh come on Gabriel...have a little bit more faith in them," Ana poked the man in his chest as she crossed her arms.
"I dunno Ana…" Gabriel chuckled.

"At least think about settling?" Ana said as she crossed her arms.

"When the time is right I will," Gabriel said as he pushed himself from the wall.

"When will that be?"

"I dunno," Gabriel shrugged as he walked away.

"Gabriel," Ana began.

"Goodnight Ana," Gabriel quickly moved down the hall and waved off the woman's attempt to chide him.

He didn't have time to think of something that could easily be taken away by one wrong action, a well-placed bullet could end everything.


Another week passed, Kallista continued her work and readied herself for her upcoming recon mission. She took a moment from working with the R&D department to spar with Natalie, she quickly pulled her hair from the messy bun she had put it in as while she sparred with Natalie. It was well past midnight as she made her way to Gabriel's office to update him on the prototype suit that the R&D department was letting her borrow for field testing.

She hid her excitement as Sabina told her the news and as she sparred with Natalie but she could tell the woman knew that something was up but remained tight-lipped. Kallista stopped in front of the man's office and knocked softly before the door slid open.

She was greeted by darkness and the scent of the man's signature cigarettes, she hesitated for a moment but saw the man at his desk, reclined back in his chair, arm over his eyes as if to shield them from light.

"Hey, Reyes…" Kallista began quietly as she approached him. "Are you…"

"I'm fine…but you could have waited for me to let you in," Gabriel replied gruffly.

"Open door policy...you said it yourself," Kallista replied. The man scoffed as he shifted in his seat and straightened himself in his chair. A hand went to pinch the bridge of his nose in an attempt to stave off whatever pain afflicted him.

"...SEP right?" Kallista asked

"...yeah," Gabriel grunted. Kallista nodded as she moved over to the man.

"You too, huh," Kallista commented. Despite all the work she had been doing the past months recently she hadn't slept for a day and had been dealing with a migraine herself.

"What do you mean? Are you in pain?" Gabriel asked as he turned on a dim light at his desk. "You have you taken your meds?"

"No…not yet was planning to when I got back to my room, but what about you? Do you take meds for this as well?" Kallista asked.

"Used to, but I'll be fine," Gabriel replied with a grimace as he turned to look at her.

"So…update," Gabriel began and winced. He leaned back in his chair and tried to focus on the woman.

Even in the dim lights, Kallista could see the man as he winced and tried to inconspicuously rub one of his temples. Kallista sat on the edge of his desk as she looked around the man's office, she remembered Natalie's words about him being empathetic to her.

"Is there any way I can help you? You've helped more than once," Kallista began softly. She thought back to the times he had helped her when her migraines were too much and she wasn't able to function. The man's chuckle pulled her from her thoughts, she knew that he knew his pain was 20 times worse than hers.

"A distraction or something but there's not much you can do," Gabriel joked as he began to rub his temples again.

"A distraction? Will that be enough?" Kallista asked.

"Anything at this point," Gabriel replied.

Kallista slid from the man's desk, Gabriel's eyes were on him until she stepped behind him and felt her hands on his shoulders. Her touch was gentle but soon began to knead the tense and taut muscles of his shoulders. A soft grunt game from the man as his head lulled forward as she massaged the man's shoulders.

It had been some time since he allowed anyone to get this close to him let alone touch him without him touching them first. Perhaps the pain numbed his reasoning or the search for something to subdue the pain outweighed everything.

He didn't know, neither did Kallista who knew what she took a bold risk.

"When was the last time you had a massage?" Kallista asked softly.

"Years…maybe," Gabriel grunted.

"Ah, it could help…" Kallista trailed off.

"Yeah…" he grunted again as he felt her press and knead on the knots in shoulders.

As she worked on his shoulders, kneading, massaging his shoulders to the best of her ability she could feel the man relax into his chair, his scowl gone, and brows relaxed, eyes closed. She slowly came to a stop and placed her hands on to the man's shoulders.

"How do you feel?" her words were soft.

"Better," Gabriel mumbled.

"Good," Kallista said as she stepped from around the chair and placed herself into his lap, catching the man completely off guard.

"What-"Gabriel began as his eyes shot open. She quickly placed a finger onto the man's lips to silence him, just as quickly as she placed a finger to hips lips she replaced it with her lips and whispered against his lips.

"Good Night,"

Without a word, Kallista removed herself from his lap and exited his office leaving the man speechless.