Heavy white sheets snow covered the streets of Zurich gently fell from darkened cloudy skies above. With the approaching end of the year, it also brought along the festivities of the holidays, annual galas and more that several of the high ranking officials and agents from Overwatch attended. This specific year, Kallista and a select few were given an invitation by Lyudmila which prompted an impromptu shopping trip with Natalie at the helm.

"Don't cause a scene," Gabriel said to the group of Blackwatch agents before they arrived at the banquet hall.

"No worries Reyes. We'll behave," Hayden said with a smirk as their adjusted their winter coat.

"You say that now, something is going to happen now," Gabriel commented.

"We'll be fine. You won't even know that we are here. We'll blend in like we're supposed to do," Mikael said as he waved the man's worry off.

"Don't be so worried...we're all adults. We know when to act a fool and to button up," Natalie commented, Gabriel scoffed as he looked at the petite woman across from him.

"You're the one I'm mostly worried about," Gabriel replied, Natalie feigned hurt as she looked at the man.

"I'll be watching all of you so behave," Lyudmila commented coolly.

"Way to keep everyone in line Lyuda," Hayden laughed a bit.

"That's what I'm here for…and for free vodka," Lyudmila with a crooked smirk.

"Lyuda' knows what's up," Natalie chimed in with a smirk.

"Do not get shitfaced here, this is not the time and place," Gabriel sighed.

"What else are we supposed to do?" Natalie quipped.

"I'm surprised you invited us," Mikael commented.

"I wanted to be nice and extend the invitation to a select few," Gabriel replied.

"Oh is that what this is? Gabe being nice to us?" Hayden chuckled.

"Birro, you've been to plenty of these," Lyudmila replied.

"I know...but still," Hayden shrugged.

"I bet it's going to be boring...he wants us to suffer with him," Natalie replied as she crossed her arms.

"Sure," Gabriel smirked.

"You do know you're my least favorite boss right?" Natalie huffed.

"Not the first time you've said that Nat," Gabriel chuckled.

Gabriel glanced at everyone in the taxi, normally he would attend these Galas solo or with his second in command, Lyudmila, but this year was a bit different, he wanted something to be different at this year's gala and so he left it to Lyudmila to invite those who would cause the least amount of problems.

He glanced at the silent woman adjacent to Natalie, her attention was focused outside. His eyes met hers for a split second before she turned her attention back to the metropolis outside. He knew the woman's background, she was a well-known socialite in her previous life, and wondered how she would react in a situation where people may recognize her.

Several minutes later they arrived at the ballroom and quickly settled themselves at their assigned table, sat through long winded speeches given by high-ranking officials, charity organizers, and of course the Strike Commander's' speech.

When Morrison took the stage the table started to buzz. After the speeches, everyone was left to mingle and dine at their leisure. Gabriel spoke candidly with a few of the officers within Overwatch and business to high-ranking officials in the world's military. Alone now, Gabriel turned his attention to his agents scattered around the banquet hall.

Gabriel was able to spot Hayden first due to their height and next to them was Natalie with drinks in their hands as they conversed with other Overwatch agents and donors. Next, he found Mikael with the staff of the Overwatch R&D department as they conversed and dined.

He took a quick glance to the other side of the banquet hall he laid eyes on Lyudmila as she conversed with some UN officials and Overwatch colleagues. Gabriel smirked to himself as he saw how relaxed the woman was as she spoke, these events were required for both of them to attend and knew that it was difficult for her adjust to this type of lifestyle but she grinned and bared it until it was nearly natural for her to do these events.

Although he was able to spot most of his small team, there was one person he wasn't able to spot. He took a sip of his drink as he looked casually around the hall. This was the type of life she had before she was captured by Overwatch it was no surprise that she hadn't been seen yet.

"This is the blandest gala to date," Lyudmila commented casually as she stood next to Gabriel.

"They are lacking this year," Gabriel chuckled. "Do you need more vodka?"

"Are you offering Reyes?" Lyudmila smirked.

"You know where my bottles are," Gabriel replied smugly.

"Of course," Lyudmila sighed and sipped her drink.

Despite the complaints, the two knew that annual events similar to this was a sigh of relief in their schedule. It gave them and the agents a brief break, a time to relax.

"Just a few more hours and Jack won't be on our backs for leaving early,"

"Too bad we can't leave earlier. There is a blizzard on its way from the east," Lyudmila commented.

"Great. A blizzard just what we needed," Gabriel replied.

"Perfect timing no? I find the blizzard more interesting than this gala. Hell I might go outside and make snow angels," Lyudmila scoffed and sipped more of her drink.

"You? Snow angels?" Gabriel laughed and shook his head at the woman's joke. "I would like to see that, hell I might join you,"

Lyudmila chuckled and slightly shoved Gabriel for humoring her and her joke.

"Jokes aside, you know that everyone would be thankful if you did let us off early...besides...we don't need to be here...just you...and maybe Kallista for appearances, at least," Lyudmila commented nonchalantly. The man scoffed at her comment, he knew what she was trying to do.

"Teasing me? For what? I feel betrayed, Lyuda?" Gabriel chuckled.

"Betrayed, huh," Lyudmila chuckled. "This is nothing…"

Gabriel stole a glance at the woman next to him, his second in command, his lieutenant, a trusted friend, someone he could go to if he really needed it. He was thankful that she joined him a few years ago, he was thankful that she grinned and bared all of the events and other bureaucracy that she had to deal with, granted she poked fun at him but, he was appreciative for her.

He quickly looked over her form and what she wore, it wasn't very often he saw the woman dressed outside of her standard Blackwatch fatigues. She wore a dark tailored suit and a crisp white button up, dark shoes and minimal accessories. Her hair slightly gray hair was pulled into a bun with a braid laced into the bun. Her makeup was just as minimal as what she wore, just red lips.

"Great. I'm being stabbed in the back by my second in command..." Gabriel exaggerated his sigh before he downed the rest of his drink.

"Stabbing? No Gabriel, I wouldn't dare. I'd make sure you'd see me coming...but I'd never do that to you," Lyudmila replied simply.

"Well at least I know what to expect now," Gabriel replied as he placed his empty tumbler onto one of the staff's trays as it passed.

"Besides…you two becoming a 'thing' is adorable," Lyudmila chuckled softly.

"I would never go against policies and regulations or have you forgotten those?" Gabriel replied nonchalantly.

"Net...I do recall our commander being stubborn and does what he wants when he feels like it. I don't see how this is any different," Lyudmila replied. "You can't use policies when they suit you Reyes,"

"I wouldn't dare," Gabriel replied

"Sure…but I do need to say that Natalie and Kallista picked out nice dresses don't you think? It's not often you get to see her in such nice clothing," Lyudmila commented as she looked in the direction of the two women.

"And you cannot tell me that the dress she picked does not accentuate her body nicely," Lyudmila spoke plainly.

There was silence between the two as they looked at the woman across the way. The two women conversed with one another before Natalie glanced curiously in their direction, instantly a smirk was on the woman's lips. Gabriel gently plucked a champagne flute from a tray that passed by him and brought it to his lips.

"The way the dress hugs her hips accentuates her waist... I'm sure you know the rest…" Lyudmila trailed off as she noticed that Kallista was moving towards them.

"I'm not that obvious," Gabriel chuckled.

"Sometimes, when you're not paying attention your eyes speak much louder than your words," Lyudmila replied.

"I think you're paying attention to your commander a little too much Lyuda," Gabriel replied.

"chush" Lyudmila smirked slightly. "I call it as I see it...and I can see that you two have a thing," Lyudmila said before taking a sip of her drink again. Lyudmila casually nursed her drink as she turned to look at the man next to her, he gave her his signature stare.

"Don't give me that look, Gabriel," Lyudmila chuckled.

"What thing?" He questioned.

"Gabriel...what is the word...dense. You know...spark, fire, chemistry, connection. Whatever you want to call it. You two have it," Lyudmila quickly said before Kallista joined them. Kallista stood on the other side of the man as she wrapped one arm around her waist and held her champagne flute in her other hand.

"Kallista," Lyudmila nodded.

"Hey," Kallista nodded to the woman.

"Well… I better go check in with the others. Reyes let me know what you choose to do," Lyudmila said before she nodded to the man and walked away.

"Sounds like you two are looking for a quick escape from this dull gala," Kallista commented.

"That you are correct. This year is not living up to the previous years," Gabriel replied

That's unfortunate…" Kallista trailed off.

"I'm surprised that you of all people aren't enjoying yourself more, I thought you thrived in this type of setting, Miss Socialite," Gabriel commented.

Part of Kallista's background in addition to being a hacker was being a political commentator and journalist. She attended many events similar to the current gala and spoke with many high profile celebrities and political officials. She was known as Camilla Torres de Luciano and showed no signs of being an infamous hacker wanted around the world. What surprised Gabriel the most was that they had met once before and spoke briefly during a general tour of the Overwatch Foundation.

"Cute. I'm honored that you remember a finer detail of my background," Kallista smirked. "Unfortunately, I have been out of the political field for quite some time thanks to Blackwatch..."

"If you had the chance would you go back into the field?" Gabriel questioned as he glanced at her.

"Maybe...but in another life," Kallista replied.

"Has anyone recognized you?" Gabriel asked.

"A few...but its fine," Kallista replied.

"I'll say, I was damn surprised that you…well were who you were," Gabriel started.

"Good. That means I did my part well," Kallista grinned slightly as she continued to watch people converse with one another.

"But honestly Reyes what mind were you in to bring us to this bland ass gala?" Kallista questioned, her voice was soft so that none would be offended of her word choice.

"Which answer do you want first?" Gabriel chuckled.

"The real one," Kallista replied as she took a champagne flute from the tray that passed her and placed her empty one as they passed.

"To give everyone a break," Gabriel chuckled and nursed his drink.

"It seems like you just wanted to bore us to death," Kallista scoffed

"I would be a bit more appreciative than that Kallista," Gabriel replied.

"I suppose you are right in that matter…" Kallista trailed off. "Is this where you and Lyuda run off to at the end of the year?"

"Unfortunately, part of the job," Gabriel replied.

"So our stubborn and scowling face Commander is a guru at conversing with political officials, I would say that I am surprised but I'm not," Kallista smirked as she finally looked at the man next to her.

"There's several things you don't know about me Kallista…and not many people do but it's not important," Gabriel replied.

"I see," Kallista replied softly and took a sip of her drink. "Normally, when things have turned to such a bore I would be able to retreat back to my loft…"

"You sound as if you're a prisoner here," Gabriel quipped.

"It is not like I can willy nilly leave without you or Morrison noticing…even if I am being a good girl and behaving," Kallista sighed.

"Sometimes there are rewards in behaving, Kallista," Gabriel replied coolly.

"That may be true but it has to heavily outweigh the cons of the situation and I don't think anything you can offer me right now will ever make up for this…event," Kallista scoffed.

"Well I know not to invite you to any of these gatherings," Gabriel said as he nodded to an official that passed by. Kallista shook her head at the man's comment a smirk on her lips.

The two were silent as they focused on the room.

"On the other hand, the others are enjoying the free alcohol, food and their fancy clothes," Kallista began. "Thank you for the break," Kallista turned to face Gabriel with small coy smile and her glass raised to him.

"To our fearless Commander," Kallista began.

"Even with your accent, all I hear is sarcasm Kallista," Gabriel chuckled as took his glass and toasted with her. The two sipped their drinks as they held eye contact.

"I must say Reyes, you cleaned up well," Kallista said as she looked the man from head to toe. He was dressed in his black issued military uniform with all of his medals from the Omnic crisis and previous wars. His hair had grown so much that it curled a bit, the sides and back shaved. It was much different than his normal buzz cut but the style was still professional.

"You look good yourself Kallista," Reyes replied with a smirk as he looked her from head to toe.

She wore a long sleeved sleek dress hugged her form and split on one side while the back mirrored the same split. Instantly his eye went to her exposed hip and her back. Her hair was pulled into a curled ponytail with a sweeping bang. Deep red lips paired with dark and gold makeup.

He silently admitted to himself that Lyudmila was right about Kallista's dress and how perfectly it fit her.

"Who knew our beanie wearing commander could clean up so nicely," Kallista commented.

"You underestimated me Kallista," Gabriel replied casually and sipped his drink.

"You think so? I like to think that I know more than you think I do," Kallista replied.

"If that is what makes you happy, I'll let you keep that silly thought," Gabriel chuckled.

"And I'll just let you keep thinking I know nothing," Kallista shrugged and placed her now empty champagne flute on a tray that passed by her.

"Don't forget it is my job to know more than others and that includes you as well," Gabriel said as he turned to face her.

"It is also my job to be steps ahead of you Reyes or did you forget that?" Kallista countered as she turned to look up at the man with a mischief smirk on her lips. Gabriel chuckled and leaned down so that no one could hear.

"Say that to me when you're alone and that dress is on the floor…or did you not think that far?"

As he whispered those words Kallista froze on spot and shivered as goosebumps covered her exposed skin as he chuckled. Her cheeks were tinted a rosy color as she looked up at the man, a smirk was plastered on his face as he looked down at her.

"That look tells me you haven't," Gabriel tsked. "So much for being steps ahead of me,"

There were times when she could never tell if the man was serious about his 'threats' or if it was some game to rile her up. The smirk on his face a mischievous tone of his voice, that intense stare, there was no room for jokes. He was serious.

"Gabriel-" Kallista stammered over her words and hesitated

"Only one way to find out isn't there?" Gabriel replied to her unsaid question and sipped at his drink again.

"Gabriel,"

Kallista hurriedly turned away from Gabriel and cleared her throat as she used that split moment to recollect herself and face Morrison that now stood in front of them.

"Kallista, you look really nice," Jack nodded to the woman with a smile.

"T-Thanks, you as well" Kallista cleared her throat as she avoided eye contact with the blond haired man. Morrison arched an eyebrow in confusion as he studied the woman.

"Thanks, Are you-" Morrison started.

"If you would excuse me," Kallista nodded to the two men and promptly left.

"Ok?" Morrison replied confused as he watched the woman retreat from him and his silent friend. Morrison turned his attention back to his Gabriel, the man was focused on his drink and swirled it a bit.

"What?" he asked before he took another sip.

"What was that? What did you say to her?" Morrison asked.

"I didn't say anything," Gabriel shrugged. Morrison rolled his eyes at his response.

"Have you been here this entire time?" Morrison asked as he changed the subject.

"Yes and no. I've been around," Gabriel replied. "By the way, this year is shit,"

"Oh C'mon it's not that bad..." Morrison trailed off.

"You say that all the time and I am unimpressed," Gabriel replied bluntly.

"Gabe. C'mon," Morrison sighed.

"You asked, I answered,"


"Of course there would be a blizzard this year," Gabriel cursed to himself as he turned to the woman sitting next to him in the taxi.

"We're in Switzerland, por supuesto que nieva," Kallista laughed. Gabriel chuckled at the woman's sudden giddy and giggly response in Spanish.

The two stayed behind for appearances for the gala but ended up staying much later than usual but it was enjoyable for once. He watched as the woman placed her head onto his shoulder, a silly grin was plastered on her lips as she seemed to be in her own little world wrapped up in her black winter coat.

He had managed to call a taxi before the blizzard was in full effect unfortunately as the taxi headed back to Overwatch HQ the blizzard hit in full force, forcing them to stop and hunker down in a hotel in downtown Zurich. With a little struggle and an inappropriate shoe choice, Gabriel carried a drunken Kallista into the hotel and took care that the she didn't sprain her ankle in her drunken stupor on the way to their hotel room.

"I'm surprised you're steady on your feet with these heels Kallista," Gabriel commented as he sat Kallista down on the large bed and began to take off her coat.

"I'm surprised yer steady on yer feet Gabi," Kallista giggled, her words slurred a bit as she struggled to take off her coat.

He placed her coat on one of plush leather chairs and snickered at the woman's struggle, he sat next to her and gently took her legs across his lap and took her shoes. He didn't even have to tell her to get into bed, seconds after her shoes were off she rolled into the middle of the bed laughing. Gabriel shook his head as he left the woman to her giddy drunken self and over to the large window pulling out his cell phone to make a phone call.

"Hey, Lyuda. Did you and the others make it back to HQ?"

{Yes. We made it somehow...I assume that you were caught in the blizzard?}

"Yeah…" the man trailed off as he looked out the window to see a thick blanket of white snow blowing fiercely outside.

{That sounds most unfortunate Reyes.}

"You think so? Lyuda don't give me your glib," Gabriel replied.

{Glib? Reyes...I'm offended.}

Gabriel chuckled at the woman's tone as he looked down at the white streets below. The snow was thick and had covered everything and could barely see the streets below. They were indeed lucky that they had made it to the hotel before it got worse.

"You know I need to be back there otherwise Jack starts losing his shit," Gabriel chuckled

{Chto by ty ni govoril, boss...although...you forget there is Natalie and some others...don't try to get out of this}

He could practically hear the woman smirking and shrug through the phone.

"We won't be able to make it back until the blizzard passes...who knows how long that's going to be," Gabriel said as he looked over his shoulder to catch the woman ungracefully rolling off the bed.

{Make sure you two are safe. I will see both of you tomorrow...bring her back in one piece}

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gabriel scoffed at the woman's remark.

{Oh you know...she hides it well but sometimes it slips…}

"Good Night Lyudmila," Gabriel chuckled at the woman's bold statement, it was rare but it was definitely welcomed.

{Sleep Well, Reyes. Make sure you let Kallista sleep too}

Gabriel shook his head as the call ended, he sighed heavily as he went over to Kallista who had managed to roll a foot away from the bed. He gently lifted her from the floor and placed her onto her feet, she heavily leaned on the man as she laughed.

"Who knew you were such a giggly drunk," Gabriel quipped.

"Who knew right? Why did you let me drink that?" Kallista laughed as he head lolled back, Gabriel pulled her towards him and gently cupped the back of her head.

"You're an adult…you knew what was going to happen,"

He was silently thankful that they actually didn't make it back to HQ, she needed to sober up.

"Reyes…"

"Hm?" Gabriel replied

"I'm a hot mess," Kallista replied as she slumped into the man.

"I was wondering when you were going to figure that out," he chuckled as he held onto the woman

"Give me a break...I'm in this weird haze of being tipsy, buzzed and tired," Kallista replied.

"Let's get you into bed before you hurt yourself," Gabriel chuckled.

"Are you coming with me?"


The next morning

Vzzzt! Vzzzt!

"...Reyes here, " Gabriel grumbled his voice heavy with sleep.

{Where are you?}

"Downtown Zurich," Gabriel replied as the man's gruff voice from the other side of his phone seemed to jog his memory of what had happened the night before.

The gala, the blizzard, and more.

{You didn't make it back...before the blizzard...at least you sound safe.}

Gabriel grunted in response to the man's question, he cracked open an eye to see the orangey light of the sun as it peeked through the slits of the thick curtains of the room.

{When do you think you will make it back?}

"I don't know...haven't checked the weather," Gabriel replied as he felt the body slotted next to him shift.

{It's still snowing...but if you want a day off...I can allow that...and your director too. Yes I know she's with you…}

"I'll be there...in a few hours," Gabriel grunted and ignored the man's comment.

{I'm surprised you don't want the day off since you're always complaining about not having days off but whatever. I'll see you when you get back}

Gabriel ended the call and hung his arm off the bed to let the phone fall to the floor. With his free arm he placed it across his forehead, the warm figure next to him stirred a little from the sudden movement and closer to him. His other arm was wrapped tightly around her waist and held her close to him as if to protect her from some unseen enemy, or just the biting cold of the room.

The room was still dim even with the streaks of the sun peaked through the curtain slits. He knew that Morrison was right, they didn't have many chances for breaks and was thankful. Only this time was different, his mind thought back to the last time he woke up with someone other than a team member on the field or dead bodies of humans and omnics alike next to him.

It had been a while, when he had time for one night stands he never stayed but things were different, he had time to slow down, to feel, think and breathe.

Gabriel turned his head slightly to look at the woman, her hair was a tangle messed from the night before, her makeup from the night before was smeared slightly, her deep crimson lipstick gone, and he could make out some of the marks he left on her skin.

She literally was a mess.

"Kallista," Gabriel grumbled. The woman stirred against him again, her hair hiding her face as she pressed herself closer against him. Gabriel sighed softly as his hand around her waist gently gripped her hip.

"Kallista...wake up"

"Five…more...minutes," Kallista murmured.

"C'mon…" Gabriel said as he brushed her hair from her face, Kallista slowly opened her eyes to look at the person who forced her to wake up.

"Gabriel...good morning," Kallista whispered.

"Morning," Gabriel replied as he looked at the sleepy woman.

"Are we still in Zurich?" Kallista asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah," Gabriel replied.

"Do we have to move?" Kallista whined

"We probably should," he replied.

"You're so warm though," Kallista trailed off as she ran a hand through her hair and draped herself over the man's broad chest.

There were times like this where he had time to think, feel, and breathe.

Gabriel sighed again he couldn't exactly describe the emotions that began to take root in his chest as the woman dosed off again.

"A few more hours...and that's all you're gonna get," Gabriel sighed.

Kallista murmured as she sleepily snuggled up next to him the man slipping back into her much needed sleep, it took him few moments before he followed her to sleep.

In moments like this, he had too much time to think, to feel.


Rough Translations:

chush - ah, nonsense

Chto by ty ni govoril (Russian) - Whatever you say boss

por supuesto que nieva - of course it snows