Bluey POV
9:48 AM
It just feels so weird… spending Christmas here… without Bingo.
Bluey lay in her hospital bed, her body propped up by stiff, white pillows. The faint antiseptic smell of the hospital clung to everything, from the thin blanket draped over her legs to the gown she wore. She winced as she shifted slightly, the dull ache in her bandaged shoulder flaring up. The pain wasn't as unbearable as it had been a few days ago—she was stable now, after all—but it was still enough to remind her of how fragile she felt.
She sighed, glancing out the window. The morning sun filtered through the blinds, its golden light doing little to warm the sterile room. Her gaze eventually drifted to the television mounted on the wall, where a cheerful Christmas movie played at low volume. Cartoon characters laughed and jingling bells chimed, but it all felt… hollow. It was Christmas Eve, yet none of it felt real. She was here, in a hospital room, recovering from being shot, while her little sister was off somewhere she couldn't reach.
Only a few more days, and I'll be home again. she reminded herself. But that wasn't exactly comforting. She hated the idea of being taken care of again, having Mum and Dad hover over her like she was a kid. And after that, there was physical therapy—weeks, maybe months, of it. The weight of it all pressed on her chest, leaving her tense and restless.
The more I think about it, the more stressed I get… haha.
Her blue eyes flicked back to the television, but she wasn't really watching it anymore. Her thoughts were elsewhere—on Bingo. Knowing her little sister's secret now made everything feel heavier. Bingo wasn't just off working some normal job; she was out there, killing people for money. Bluey's heart clenched at the thought. She had so many questions, so many worries. What kind of danger was Bingo in right now? Was she safe? Or worse, was she hurt too?
Damn it, Bingo. she thought bitterly. Why couldn't you have told me sooner? You know how to keep a damn secret, that's for sure.
Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted by the quiet creak of the door opening. She looked up to see her parents stepping into the room, their presence instantly filling the space with both warmth and unease.
"Mum? Dad?" Bluey said softly, sitting up slightly. A sharp jolt of pain shot through her shoulder, and she winced, easing back down. "You're here pretty early, yeah?"
Chilli stepped forward, her red fur brushed neatly, her festive green sweater adorned with little white snowflakes. A red scarf hung loosely around her neck, matching her husband's sweater. Bandit followed close behind, his usual scruffy look slightly polished for the holiday. Despite their cheerful outfits, their faces carried a lingering sadness that not even Christmas spirit could mask.
"Yeah, we just wanted to get back to you as soon as we could, sweetheart.." Chilli said, her voice soft but laced with worry. She took a seat beside Bluey's bed, Bandit settling in the chair next to her.
Bluey could see the strain in their expressions. Everything about the past few days had been hard on them—on all of them. She could feel it in the way Chilli's hands fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, in the way Bandit avoided her gaze for a moment before finally speaking.
"Yeah… we're still just worried," Bandit admitted, running a hand through his fur. His voice was heavier than usual, carrying the weight of a father desperate to protect his daughter. "It's… it's not easy, living with the fact that someone shot you and that they're still out there somewhere. I don't like leaving you alone here."
Bluey's heart ached at his words. She wanted to reassure him, to tell him everything was fine.
But it wasn't fine.
Nothing was.
I'm pretty sure Bingo dealt with whoever that was… she thought, though she didn't say it out loud.
"I understand, Dad." she said quietly, nodding.
For a while, the room fell into silence, broken only by the faint sounds of the movie playing in the background. The tension was thick, heavy, like everyone in the room was tiptoeing around the elephant that was Bingo's absence.
It was Chilli who finally broke the silence. Her voice was soft, but the crack in it was unmistakable.
"…I just don't understand why Bingo couldn't just… stay," she said, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. There was sadness in her eyes, mixed with frustration. "She always works over and over and over again—what kind of job does she have?" Her voice rose slightly, her emotions spilling out.
"Chilli…" Bandit said, placing a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her. "She's just… she has responsibilities now."
"Responsibilities?" Chilli repeated, turning to look at him. "She's prioritizing work over time with her family, Bandit. I really feel like Bingo's just… keeping something from us. She was hesitant to tell us about her job in the first place!"
"Well, yeah, you're right about that…" Bandit admitted, his voice trailing off.
Bluey stayed silent, her eyes flicking between her parents. She felt like a bystander in this conversation, yet she knew more than either of them did. Her stomach churned as she listened, guilt gnawing at her.
Oh man… Now it feels weird being the only one in here that knows what Bingo does… she thought, swallowing hard. How would they even react? Bounty hunting isn't really the most suitable job for a girl, but… here Bingo is, doing it.
Her fingers gripped the edge of her blanket, her thoughts swirling. She hated keeping secrets, but what choice did she have? Knowing Bingo's truth didn't make it easier—it only made her worry more. And as much as she wanted to believe everything would be okay, she couldn't shake the heavy feeling in her chest.
The room fell into silence again, the tension growing thicker. And for the first time, Bluey wasn't sure if Christmas would feel like Christmas at all.
She stared at her parents for a moment. Their worry, frustration, and sadness hung in the room like a dark cloud, and it made her chest feel tight. She didn't know how to fix things—how could she when Bingo's absence loomed over all of them?—but she hated seeing her mum and dad like this.
Christmas Eve wasn't supposed to feel like this.. at all!
She took a deep breath and let the hint of a smirk tug at her lips. "Well," she said, her voice breaking the silence, "if we're going to sit here all day feeling sorry for ourselves, we might as well start calling this the Heeler Family Pity Party."
Chilli looked up, startled by Bluey's tone. "..What?"
Bluey gestured to the small, sad plate of hospital cookies sitting on the tray beside her bed. "I mean, we've got everything we need, right? Subpar snacks, a depressing playlist," she nodded toward the TV, where a cartoon character was sobbing over a broken toy, "and the perfect venue—a sterile hospital room. All we're missing is a banner and some confetti."
Bandit let out a soft chuckle, though his eyes still carried that lingering worry. "A Pity Party, huh?"
"Exactly." Bluey's grin grew wider, the spark of her usual humor shining through. "I'm thinking we go all out. Maybe get a sad clown to come in and juggle for us. Or, ooh, we could have a 'Most Dramatic Sigh' competition? Dad, I reckon you'd win that one hands down!"
"Oi!" Bandit said, feigning offense.
Chilli raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching like she was fighting a smile. "And what about me, then?"
"Oh, you'd definitely take the gold for 'Most Worry Lines Accumulated in a Single Day,'" Bluey teased, her voice light and playful.
Chilli rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth lifted into a reluctant smile. "Alright, alright. I see what you're doing, young lady."
"What?" Bluey asked innocently, her expression the picture of exaggerated surprise. "I'm just trying to bring some holiday cheer to the saddest room in Brisbane. You should be thanking me!"
Bandit laughed, his shoulders finally relaxing a little. "Well, it's working... Sort of."
Bluey tilted her head dramatically. "Only 'sort of'? Wow, tough crowd... Guess I'll have to bring out the big guns." She paused for effect, her eyes sparkling. "Okay, Dad, how about this: If you smile for more than ten seconds, I'll let you pick what we watch next. Even if it's one of those boring nature documentaries you love so much."
"Boring?" Bandit gasped in mock outrage. "How dare you insult David Attenborough like that!"
Chilli laughed, and the sound was like a small ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. "Bluey, you're terrible."
"Terribly funny, you mean," Bluey corrected with a grin. She leaned back into her pillows, wincing slightly as her shoulder protested the movement. "Come on, it's Christmas Eve. Let's try to enjoy it, yeah? I might be stuck in this place, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun."
Chilli and Bandit exchanged a look, their smiles growing just a little bit wider. The tension in the room didn't disappear completely, but it eased like a weight had been lifted, if only slightly.
"Alright," Chilli said, reaching for the TV remote. "But I'm picking the movie."
"Oh no," Bluey groaned, already regretting her decision. "Mum, if you put on one of those sappy Christmas romances, I'm calling the nurse to sedate me."
Bandit burst out laughing, and even Chilli couldn't hold back a chuckle. For the first time that morning, the heaviness in the room didn't feel so suffocating.
Bluey let herself relax, a small smile on her face as she watched her parents settle into their chairs, their festive outfits brightening the drab hospital room just a little. It wasn't the Christmas Eve she'd imagined, but maybe it didn't have to be perfect.
Maybe it just had to be enough.
….
Judo POV
12:26 PM
The Chow Chow strode down the hospital hallway, the rhythmic clicking of her heels echoing in the sterile corridors. Her sharp eyes scanned the rows of numbered doors as she made her way toward Bluey's room, her expression calm, though her mind was anything but.
I still can't believe she got shot… Judo thought grimly, her jaw tightening. If I could've gone after Archer myself, I would have. But no… I can't just leave her unprotected.
Her hand brushed against her side, where she always kept a blade concealed, out of habit more than necessity. Her thoughts spiraled further as she walked.
And now she knows too much. Assassins. The Widows. Bingo's secret. A low growl threatened to rise in her throat, but she swallowed it down, her composure returning quickly. Damn it, Bingo. Why did you have to tell her? Bluey's going to be paranoid now. And worse—she might be a target again. The Widows don't leave loose ends… and neither do I.
Judo's eyes narrowed slightly as she approached the room. She noticed the door was ajar, faint voices spilling into the hallway. For a moment, she hesitated, her hand resting lightly against the doorframe.
Visitors? That must be Mr. and Mrs. Heeler, she thought. But as the muffled laughter reached her ears, something about the tone of the conversation gave her pause. The heaviness in her chest eased just a little. Sounds like they're… having a good time?
Her curiosity piqued, Judo adjusted the black sleeveless knitted top she wore, smoothing it over her torso. The top hugged her figure, paired neatly with tan trousers that sat high on her waist. Her low black heels, polished and practical, clicked against the tile as she stepped into the room.
The sight that greeted her was… unexpected.
Bluey sat up slightly in her hospital bed, her bandaged shoulder hidden beneath a loose-fitting hospital gown. Despite her injury, her eyes sparkled with amusement as she laughed at something Bandit said. Chilli was perched on the edge of the bed, her hand resting lightly on Bluey's leg, her expression warm and relieved. Bandit, leaning back in a chair, gestured animatedly as he spoke.
But it wasn't just the Heeler parents. Someone else—a young Border Collie, about Judo's age- was sitting on a stool near Bluey's bedside. He had sharp, kind features, his black-and-white fur neatly brushed. His festive attire—a red button-up shirt with tiny snowflakes printed on it, paired with dark jeans and a green bow tie—made him look both awkward and endearing.
Mackenzie's here? I knew he was around but.. it's been so long since I saw him..
The Border Collie leaned in closer to Bluey, his easygoing grin lighting up the room as he handed her a small box. Judo's sharp gaze flicked to him, and for a brief moment, her guarded thoughts softened.
Mackenzie… He still looks the same—awkward but charming. Can't say I expected him to be here, though. Guess he's always had a soft spot for Bluey.. Shocker.
"Go on!" Mackenzie urged, his tone light but teasing. "Open it. It's not booby-trapped or anything! I promise!"
Bluey raised a skeptical eyebrow, though there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Knowing you? I wouldn't put it past you." She glanced at the others in the room, her grin widening when she caught Judo's eye. "Oh hey! you're just in time for the big reveal, Judo!"
"Lucky me." Judo replied dryly, stepping further into the room. Her shoes clicked against the floor as she walked, and she waved a hand dismissively when Bandit motioned toward his chair. "Don't worry about it. I'll stand Mr. Heeler."
Chilli's warm smile hadn't faltered since Judo entered. "It's good to see you again, Judo. Bluey's been asking about you." she said gently, her voice tinged with the gratitude of a parent who knew how much Judo cared for her daughter.
"Yeah, well, I've been meaning to stop by.." Judo replied, though her tone was clipped. Her sharp eyes turned back to Bluey. "Guess I didn't expect you to be throwing a party."
"It's not a party!" Bluey retorted with a smirk, carefully tugging at the ribbon on Mackenzie's box. "It's a… gathering. A cheerful, not-so-traumatizing gathering!"
Judo's lips quirked in the faintest hint of a smile. "Riiiight. Cheerful and not-so-traumatizing."
"Hey, she's got to keep her spirits up!" Mackenzie chimed in, leaning back on his stool with a mocky stern look. "You know what they say—laughter is the best medicine!"
"Unless it tears your stitches." Judo countered, folding her arms across her chest.
That earned a laugh from Bluey, and even Mackenzie chuckled. "Touché.." he admitted, watching as Bluey finally pulled the ribbon free and opened the box.
Inside was a small, delicate ornament—a snowflake carved from pale wood, its edges polished smooth. A soft "Wow" escaped Bluey's lips as she carefully picked it up with her good hand.
"Awww..It's beautiful..!" Chilli said, her eyes lighting up as she leaned closer to examine it.
"I made it myself, took me a while too." Mackenzie said, his tone both proud and bashful. "Figured you could use a little holiday cheer, even in here."
"I'm so amazed! It's so damned pretty!" Bluey said with a grin, she was in complete awe. "I love it, Kenzie…Thank you!"
Judo watched the exchange in silence, her sharp edges momentarily dulled by the warmth in the room. She noted the way Mackenzie's gaze lingered on Bluey, the quiet care in his expression. Bluey returned the same look, both looking into each other's eyes.
He's good for her… Judo thought grudgingly. Not that she needs me to approve.
"Okay, okay, enough sap you two." Bandit interjected, clapping his hands together. "Let's get back to the movie before Bluey decides to start a Hallmark moment, yeah?"
Judo arched an eyebrow. "What movie are you watching?"
"Some old action movie," Bluey said, rolling her eyes. "Dad insisted on it."
"It's a classic!" Bandit protested.
Chilli chuckled, leaning back on the bed beside Bluey. "It's Die Hard," she admitted in a mocky whisper, which earned her a mock-offended gasp from Bandit.
Judo huffed out a quiet laugh. "Well, if you're gonna celebrate Christmas, might as well do it with explosions."
She shifted her weight slightly, leaning against the wall as the others settled back into the movie. For now, at least, the tension in her chest eased. In this room, surrounded by laughter and warmth, the danger lurking in the shadows felt just a little farther away.
But as her sharp eyes flicked briefly to Bluey's bandaged shoulder, the weight of responsibility crept back in. Judo didn't let it show, but the thought nagged at her.
Enjoy this moment while you can, Bluey. I'll make sure you have more of them—even if I have to take on the Widows myself.
The three of them sat in the comfortable quiet of Bluey's hospital room, the muted hum of the hospital filling the space as they settled in after the movie. Chilli and Bandit had left moments ago, promising to return with food, leaving Judo, Bluey, and Mackenzie alone together.
Mackenzie leaned back in his chair, the festive green bow tie now slightly askew, and broke the silence. "So, uh… Judo?" he began, tilting his head curiously as his eyes landed on the Chow Chow.
Judo glanced at him, raising a brow. "What's up?" she asked casually, leaning back against the wall, her arms crossed.
"What've you been doing these past two years?" Mackenzie asked, his tone light but genuine. "You've been really busy. We don't really see you around here much anymore... Are you in college?"
Judo didn't hesitate, keeping her expression unreadable as she gave a half-truth. "Well, obviously," she said with a small shrug, her voice steady. "I'm a busy woman."
Bluey jumped in before Mackenzie could press further. "Yeah, she really is!" she said, her tone a little too quick, a little too upbeat. Her eyes darted to Judo, a silent agreement passing between them to keep certain truths buried.
"I.. see." Mackenzie replied slowly, his arms crossing over his chest as he leaned back in thought. There was a flicker of suspicion in his amber eyes, but he didn't push it. Instead, he let his gaze drift to Bluey, his voice softening. "Guessing Bingo's a busy woman too, huh? She's not even here for Christmas."
At that, both Judo and Bluey exchanged a glance. It was subtle, but Mackenzie caught it—enough to make him sit up straighter.
"Well," Bluey started, forcing a smile, "she's got a busy job. She's gotta keep the bills paid, you know?"
Judo stayed quiet for a beat, studying Mackenzie's reaction carefully. He wasn't entirely convinced; that much was clear from the slight furrow of his brow.
"Bills, huh?" Mackenzie said, his tone skeptical but playful enough to keep the mood light. "She couldn't even take a day off for Christmas? What kind of job is that?"
Bluey's smile faltered, but only slightly. "It's complicated," she admitted. "But you know Bingo—she's always been a bit… unconventional."
"That's one way to put it." Judo muttered, earning a sharp look from Bluey.
Mackenzie chuckled softly, but his eyes lingered on Bluey's face. "I get it." he said, his voice quieter now. "She's always had her own way of doing things. But, uh… you're okay, right? I mean, after everything that happened…" He gestured vaguely to her bandaged shoulder, his concern evident.
Bluey softened at his words, her guarded expression melting into something more vulnerable. "Yeah," she said quietly. "I'm okay. It's… a lot, but I've got people looking out for me." Her eyes flicked to Judo, who gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
Mackenzie smiled at that, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Good. You've got enough on your plate without worrying about your sister, too."
The room fell into a brief silence, and Judo took the opportunity to change the subject. "So, Mackenzie," she said, her tone lighter, "what about you? What've you been up to? Still trying to make every holiday as festive as possible?" She gestured to his snowflake shirt with a smirk.
Mackenzie laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "What can I say? Someone's gotta keep the holiday spirit alive!" he said, spreading his arms as if to show off his outfit. "Besides, Bluey's the one who made me wear this bow tie."
Bluey grinned. "It suits you. You should wear it all the time, you look soooo adorable!"
"Don't push it." Mackenzie replied with a mock glare, though his smile didn't fade.
As the three of them fell into an easier rhythm, the earlier tension began to lift. But in the back of her mind, Judo couldn't help but think of Bingo. The lies, the secrecy—it was all for a reason. But looking at Bluey and Mackenzie, she felt a pang of guilt.
How much longer can we keep this up? Judo wondered, her expression neutral as the conversation flowed around her. Bingo's choices are affecting more than just herself now… and sooner or later, Mackenzie's going to start asking the wrong questions.. that's gonna be a hassle.
Soon enough, Bandit and Chilli returned to Bluey's hospital room, balancing trays of warm food that filled the sterile air with the faint aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread. The small group gathered around Bluey's bed, chatting softly while the dull hum of hospital machinery provided a steady backdrop. The atmosphere was lighthearted, almost deceptively so, as if everyone was trying to mask the lingering tension with small talk and forced laughter.
Bluey tried to let herself sink into the moment, savoring the presence of her family and friends, but there was an undercurrent of unease she couldn't shake. Every smile, every laugh felt brittle. It wasn't long before the gathering dispersed. Mackenzie excused himself, promising to check back in later, and Chilli and Bandit left the room, murmuring about getting some fresh air.
Now, it was just Bluey and Judo. The room seemed quieter, heavier without the others, as if the weight of reality crept back at the moment they were alone. Judo adjusted her chair closer to the bed, the faint creak breaking the silence. Bluey, staring out the window at the dimming sky, finally broke the quiet.
"…So, she's out there killing again, isn't she?" Her voice was soft, but the question hit like a hammer.
Judo froze for a moment, her jaw tightening as she turned to look at Bluey. "…Yeah," she admitted reluctantly. "She already killed the guy who shot you... remember?"
Bluey's head snapped toward Judo, her eyes wide with shock. The words hit her harder than she expected, sinking deep into her chest. Bingo—her little sister—had killed someone. Not just someone. The man who had nearly ended her life.
"I… she…" Bluey faltered, her voice trembling. "I don't even know what to feel about that, honestly."
Judo's gaze hardened, her expression a mix of anger and resolve. "She's going after the rest of the group that planned this whole thing out... Once they touched you, Bingo went dark. She's not going to stop until they're all dead."
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud. Judo's tone was cold, almost detached, but her clenched fists betrayed the fury bubbling just beneath the surface. She wanted the Black Widows dead too—wanted revenge as much as Bingo did. But she couldn't leave Bluey alone to chase that vengeance.
Bluey's throat felt tight. She looked down at her hands, resting limply in her lap, "Who… who is this group again?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Judo sighed heavily, leaning back in her chair. "They're called the Black Widows. They're an elite group of killers—top of the food chain in the world Bingo and I are part of. They're no joke, Bluey. The only reason I'm even here is to protect you from them… They've already shot you once; I'm not going to let them finish the job. Bingo's out there on a revenge mission, but me? I'm staying right here with you."
Bluey's heart pounded in her chest as she listened, a strange mix of disbelief and dread washing over her. Bingo—her sweet, goofy little sister—was tangled up in something dark and dangerous. This wasn't the girl who used to share ice cream with her after school or giggle at silly jokes.
This was someone else entirely.
"She's…" Bluey's voice cracked. "She's risking her life for me?"
Judo's expression softened, but her voice stayed firm. "She's not doing it just for you, Bluey. They came after her family. They crossed a line, and now she's not going to stop until they're gone."
Bluey swallowed hard, her hands gripping the edge of the blanket. "I just… I don't want her getting killed over this. Over me. I just want her to stay alive, Judo. That's all I want. She's my sister… I can't lose her."
Judo leaned forward, her hand covering Bluey's. Her eyes burned with an intensity that Bluey wasn't used to seeing. "She's tougher than you think, Bluey. Bingo knows what she's doing, but yeah… this life? It changes people. It's already changed her… and it changed me too... But I promise you, as long as I'm here, I'll do everything I can to protect both of you."
The words offered little comfort. Bluey nodded faintly, but the knot in her chest remained. As she stared at Judo, she couldn't help but wonder what the cost of all this would be—not just for Bingo, but for all of them.
Bluey's eyes drifted to the ceiling as she tried to process everything. The quiet hum of the machines in the room felt deafening now, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. She hated this. Hated the thought of Bingo out there, surrounded by danger, putting herself in harm's way just to avenge her.
"She shouldn't have to do this," Bluey muttered after a long silence. "This isn't… it's not her job to protect me like this. She's my sister, not my bodyguard."
Judo let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Bingo's not doing this because she feels like she has to, Bluey. She's doing it because she wants to. This is how she deals with things—how she fights back when life pushes her around. It's just who she is."
Bluey turned her head, her tired eyes locking with Judo's. "But at what cost? If she keeps going like this, she's going to lose herself. I… I can feel it, Judo. She's not the same Bingo I grew up with..."
Judo's expression softened, and for a moment, her tough exterior cracked. "You're right," she admitted quietly. "She's not the same. And honestly? I don't think she ever will be again. But you have to understand, Bluey… after what happened to you, something inside her snapped. She's carrying this guilt, this anger, and the only way she knows how to deal with it is by fighting back... She thinks she's protecting you, but deep down, I think she's trying to protect herself from feeling powerless again."
Bluey swallowed hard, her chest tightening at Judo's words. She thought back to all the times Bingo had been the one to comfort her, to lift her spirits when things got tough. Now, Bingo was the one spiraling, and Bluey didn't know how to help her.
"…Is there any way to stop her?" Bluey asked softly, though she already knew the answer.
Judo shook her head. "Not until she's finished what she started. Bingo's too stubborn to back down now… The best thing we can do is hope she makes it out alive."
The room fell into a heavy silence again, the weight of their conversation settling like a thick fog. Bluey's gaze dropped to her lap, her hands trembling slightly.
"She's out there, risking her life," Bluey whispered. "And I'm just sitting here… useless."
Judo's hand shot out, gripping Bluey's shoulder firmly. "Don't you dare say that," she said, her voice sharp but not unkind. "You're not useless, Bluey. You're her anchor. The reason she's fighting so hard is because she loves you. And if you really want to help her, then get better. Heal. Be here for her when she comes back, because trust me—she's going to need you."
Bluey's throat tightened, tears welling in her eyes. She hated feeling so helpless, so out of control, but Judo's words struck a chord. Maybe she couldn't stop Bingo, but she could be here when it was over—if it was ever over.
Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Chilli peeked her head inside. "Everything okay in here?" she asked gently, her gaze flickering between the two of them.
Bluey quickly wiped at her eyes, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, Mum. We're okay."
Chilli stepped inside, the warmth in her eyes doing little to hide the worry etched across her face. "Well, I brought some tea for you two. Thought it might help!"
She set the cups down gently on the small table by Bluey's bed, her movements careful, as though she didn't want to disturb the fragile sense of calm in the room. Bluey watched her mum for a moment, her heart aching at how much effort Chilli was putting into keeping everyone steady.
Bluey glanced over at Judo, who was quietly observing the scene, her fingers brushing the edge of one of the teacups. Their eyes met, and Judo gave her a small nod. The unspoken understanding between them lingered—this was far from over, but for now, they'd take whatever moments of peace they could find.
For a while, the room was silent except for the faint clink of the teacups and the occasional hum of the machines. It was almost comforting, the stillness, like they were all silently agreeing to let things settle. But Judo, never one to let things stay quiet for too long, broke the silence with a smirk curling on her lips.
"So… are you and Mackenzie like… you know…" Judo raised an eyebrow as she picked up her tea, her tone light but teasing. "…dating?"
Bluey froze, her eyes widening as if Judo had just uncovered a deeply guarded secret. Her face flushed a deep red, and she stammered, "Oh! Uhm, well… uh… it's kinda… uhm… complicated?"
Judo let out a low chuckle, taking a sip of her tea as if she had all the time in the world. "Complicated, huh? Sure." She tilted her head, her smirk widening. "You're terrible at lying, you know? I saw the way that boy was looking at you earlier, and how you were looking at him. It was like something straight out of a Disney movie. All soft and dreamy-eyed."
Bluey's blush deepened, and she quickly looked away, tugging at the blanket over her lap. "It wasn't like that!" she protested, her voice high-pitched and defensive.
"Oh, it definitely was." Judo pressed, her grin almost devilish. "He was staring at you like you hung the stars in the sky. And you, Miss 'It's Complicated,' weren't exactly subtle about it either."
Bluey opened her mouth to argue, but before she could get a word out, Chilli chimed in with a playful smile. "He was looking at you all soft, Bluey. I mean…"
"MUM!" Bluey practically squealed, burying her face in her hands. "You are not making this better!"
Chilli laughed softly, taking a seat by Bluey's bed. "Oh, come on, sweetheart. It's not every day I get to see you this flustered! Besides, he seems like a lovely boy! He's not like these other young men out here."
Bluey peeked through her fingers, her voice muffled. "He is lovely… but it's not what you think! We're just… friends."
"Uh-huh." Judo replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Because 'just friends' definitely have that much tension crackling between them."
Bluey groaned, dropping her hands to her lap. "Why are you both like this?"
"Because we love you!" Chilli said with a chuckle, reaching over to pat Bluey's hand. "..And because it's fun."
Bluey let out a dramatic sigh, but despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. Even with everything going on, moments like this—teasing, laughter, and a little bit of warmth—made it all feel just a bit easier to bear.
The laughter faded into a comfortable silence as Bluey stared at her tea, the weight of her thoughts slowly settling back onto her shoulders. Chilli noticed, her expression softening as she reached for Bluey's hand again. "Sweetheart, I know it's been a lot. But you're strong, and you've got so many people who love you. We'll get through this together."
Bluey nodded, her throat tight. She wanted to believe that, but with everything happening—Bingo's absence, her own recovery—it felt like the world was tilting on an axis she couldn't quite steady. She squeezed her mum's hand, grateful for the grounding presence.
Judo, watching the exchange, set her cup down and leaned back in her chair. "We'll take it day by day," she said, her tone unusually gentle. "And hey, Mackenzie or not, you've got us watching your back."
Bluey gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks… both of you."
The moment lingered, warm and quiet. Outside, faint voices could be heard—Bandit's low tone and Mackenzie's laugh drifting through the hallway. It was a fleeting slice of normalcy, one they all clung to despite the storm raging beyond the hospital walls.
Chilli stood, brushing her hands on her pants. "I'll go check on your dad and see if he's interrogating poor Mackenzie." she said with a knowing smile, earning a groan from Bluey.
As Chilli left, Judo stayed behind, her eyes meeting Bluey's. "You good?" she asked, her voice quieter now, less teasing.
Bluey nodded, but the tightness in her chest told another story. "Yeah.. I think so."
Judo didn't push. Instead, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "We'll find a way through this, Bluey. I promise."
Bluey swallowed the lump in her throat and gave a small nod. "I hope so, Judo."
The scene outside her window was deceptively serene—a sunset painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. But Bluey knew the world outside wasn't as kind as it seemed. Still, for now, she let herself breathe in the moment, holding onto the fragile hope her family and friends offered.
Judo reached over and ruffled Bluey's hair, earning a halfhearted swat and a small laugh. "Come on, Disney princess. Let's finish this tea before it gets cold, yeah?"
Bluey rolled her eyes but picked up her cup, feeling a little less alone.
They sat together in the fading light, sharing the quiet and the unspoken promise of better days ahead.
…