Never thought I'd be here… for Christmas Day.

December 25th

7:00 PM

Bingo spent most of her day shuffling through the files Ms. Sevyn had handed her earlier that week. They were stacked neatly on the worn coffee table in her small apartment, but her attention kept drifting. When she wasn't re-reading notes, her phone buzzed with messages from Lila. That girl could talk about anything and everything without coming up for air, but Bingo didn't mind—she loved her for it. It reminded her of simpler times before her life became a whirlwind of secrets, violence, and survival.

But just as the sun dipped below the horizon, something else tugged at her thoughts. Ms. Sevyn's invitation lingered in the back of her mind. 'Come by for Christmas dinner', she'd said, her tone casual but with that unmistakable Sevyn firmness that told Bingo she wasn't really asking. The address Sevyn sent led to a quiet neighborhood in Melbourne. Now here she was, standing in front of a house that felt a little too warm, a little too nostalgic, and a little too close to what she'd left behind.

It was a charming, two-story home with a pristine lawn and a two-car garage. Bingo couldn't help but think of her Uncle Stripe and Aunt Trixie's place—the kind of house where you'd hear kids laughing in the backyard and smell dinner wafting from the kitchen. Her chest tightened for a moment, but she pushed the thought away. This wasn't about family, not really.

She glanced down at herself, suddenly hyperaware of her appearance. After much deliberation, she'd gone for something simple but presentable: a fitted, black turtleneck tucked into high-waisted, dark-wash jeans and her favorite pair of ankle boots. Over it all, she wore a cropped leather jacket, her usual go-to for occasions where she needed to look polished but still like herself. It wasn't exactly festive, but it was Bingo.

The warmth spilling out from the windows of Sevyn's house made her hesitate. This wasn't her usual scene—she wasn't used to being around people on holidays anymore. Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the porch and knocked. The sound felt heavier than it should have, like it carried more weight than just announcing her arrival.

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing Ms. Sevyn. The husky woman stood with an air of effortless grace, her blue eyes magnified slightly by her clear-framed glasses. She was dressed in a cozy yet elegant outfit: a forest green sweater dress that hugged her figure, paired with black tights and heeled ankle boots. A pair of gold earrings dangled from her ears, catching the soft glow of the porch light. She had a way of looking both welcoming and like she could see right through you, and tonight was no exception.

"Well, look who decided to show up," Sevyn said, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

"Yeah, well… figured I shouldn't leave you hanging." Bingo replied, trying to keep her tone light but feeling the awkwardness creeping in.

Sevyn stepped aside, holding the door open wider. "Come on in, don't be a stranger, Knives."

The warmth of the house hit Bingo immediately as she stepped inside. The smell of roasted vegetables and something sweet—maybe cinnamon—filled the air. The living room was cozy, with a glowing Christmas tree in the corner and soft, golden lights strung across the walls. A fire crackled in the hearth, and a soft instrumental version of "Silent Night" played in the background.

"Make yourself at home." Sevyn said, closing the door behind her. "Shoes off, though. House rules."

Bingo smirked, slipping off her boots and setting them neatly by the door. "Didn't peg you for the cozy Christmas type, Sev" she teased, glancing around at the festive decorations.

"I have my moments." Sevyn replied with a chuckle, motioning toward the couch. "Dinner's almost ready. You drink mulled wine? Or are you more of a beer kind of girl?"

"Beer." Bingo said without hesitation, earning a knowing nod from Sevyn.

"Of course you are. Sit down, and relax. You've got time to just… breathe for a bit."

Bingo hesitated for a second, unsure of how to let her guard down in a setting like this. But Sevyn's calm, assured presence had a way of making the sharp edges of the world feel a little softer, at least for a while.

She settled onto the couch, glancing toward the tree. The ornaments sparkled faintly in the firelight, and for the first time in a long while, Bingo felt something close to peace. It was strange, but not unwelcome.

"Thanks for inviting me.." Bingo said quietly, looking up at Sevyn as the woman returned with a cold beer and a steaming mug for herself.

"Everyone needs a place to be on Christmas." Sevyn replied, her voice softer now. "Even someone like you."

Bingo nodded, taking a sip of the beer Sevyn handed her. For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to just be.

It feels nice… I'm not really alone. she thought, letting the subtle bitterness of the beer ground her. The soft instrumental music playing in the background filled the quiet air, creating a calm she hadn't realized she needed. The gentle crackling of the fireplace paired with the faint scent of cinnamon and pine made the whole scene feel surreal.

Bingo leaned back into the plush couch as Sevyn disappeared into the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready in about fifteen more minutes!" Sevyn called out, her voice carrying the same warmth as the house.

"'Kay." Bingo replied, glancing back toward the kitchen before turning forward again. She tried to relax, but her thoughts kept swirling.

Why did she invite me? Bingo wondered, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her bottle. I mean, we're close, but… she's just my client, right? Someone I helped out, She shifted uncomfortably. She could've spent tonight with someone else—someone normal. Not me.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the bottle as her chest prickled with a small pang of anxiety. Being here felt… nice, but also strange. It wasn't the solitude she was used to, the isolation she'd long accepted as part of her life. This was different, and while it was good, it was also unfamiliar enough to make her wonder if she belonged here at all.

She let out a slow exhale and finished her beer just as Sevyn's voice rang out again. "Dinner's ready!"

Bingo stood, brushing off her jeans and making her way toward the dining room. The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks. A small feast was spread across the table, illuminated by the soft glow of a single candle centerpiece. The table was set neatly with two plates, polished silverware, and cloth napkins folded into neat triangles. The food looked—and smelled—amazing: a glazed ham rested as the centerpiece, surrounded by roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, a fresh salad, and a small dish of something that looked suspiciously like Sevyn's homemade cranberry sauce.

Sevyn was already seated at the head of the table, looking up at Bingo with a smile as she gestured to the chair across from her. "Go on, sit down," she said.

Bingo blinked, taking in the cozy scene before pulling out the chair and sitting down. "Wow…" she muttered, glancing between Sevyn and the food. "This all looks amazing. You're quite the cook, aren't you?"

Sevyn let out a soft giggle, her clear-framed glasses catching the faint light as she tilted her head slightly. "Cooking's pretty fun, honestly. I don't get to do it much these days, but when I do, I like to go all out," she said, her voice light with pride. "Now, grab your plate and help yourself! Eat to your heart's content, Knives."

Her tone shifted into something warmer, almost motherly, and Bingo couldn't help but feel the corners of her lips twitch into a small smile. She reached for her plate, watching as Sevyn did the same. The older woman piled her plate with practiced ease, selecting bits of everything with a careful hand.

Bingo, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment before following suit, scooping a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto her plate alongside slices of ham and roasted carrots. She glanced at Sevyn, who was already digging into her food with an easy, relaxed posture.

"This is… really nice," Bingo said softly, her voice barely above a murmur as she took her first bite of the ham. The glaze was sweet and tangy, perfectly balanced, and the meat practically melted in her mouth.

"I'm glad you think so." Sevyn replied, her smile widening just a little. "Figured someone had to make sure you got a proper meal today. Don't think I didn't know you were probably living off coffee and whatever you could grab on the go."

Bingo chuckled, though it came out a bit sheepish. "You're not wrong.." she admitted, taking another bite. "Guess I've been caught."

"Caught? Oh, please. You're an open book sometimes," Sevyn teased, shaking her head. "Eat up, Knives. You need it. And I don't just mean the food."

That last comment made Bingo pause for a moment. She looked up at Sevyn, whose gaze was calm and steady, the kind of look that saw more than it let on. Bingo nodded, turning her attention back to her plate. For once, she let herself take her time, savoring the meal and the rare comfort of being somewhere that felt—if only for a little while—like home.

The warm glow of the chandelier cast soft light across Sevyn's dining room, the golden hue reflecting off the polished wood of the long table. Outside, Melbourne's nightlife hummed faintly—a reminder of the city's unyielding energy—but inside this quiet sanctuary, the chaos felt distant. The room was filled with the soft clink of silverware and the occasional crackle of a candlewick. Bingo sat back in her chair, her dessert plate nearly clean save for a few crumbs, and a half-empty glass of wine in her hand. Across from her, Sevyn leaned into her chair, fingers delicately balancing the stem of her glass, a content yet calculating smile tugging at her lips.

It had been so long since Bingo felt this kind of calm—no looming threats, targets, or bloodshed. Just quiet conversation over a meal that wasn't a hurried pit stop between missions or eaten under the shadow of suspicion. For the first time in weeks, she could let her guard down, even if just a little.

"You've been awfully quiet these past few minutes, dear," Sevyn's voice broke the comfortable silence, smooth and tinged with curiosity as she set her glass down gently. Her sharp, perceptive gaze studied Bingo. "What's on your mind?"

Bingo hesitated for a moment, staring at the faint patterns on the tablecloth as if searching for the right words. Her fingers traced the rim of her glass absentmindedly. "…It's just that after tonight, it's back to business, Sev…" she said finally, her voice carrying a soft undertone of weariness. She let out a humorless chuckle, shaking her head. "Nyx is on my radar starting January 1st.. Hell of a way to ring in the new year, right?"

Sevyn's expression shifted, her smile fading just enough to reveal the seriousness beneath. "Nyx.." she repeated, the name rolling off her tongue with a deliberate weight. "Are you ready for this, though? Another Spider… Nyx won't be an easy mark. Archer was formidable, but Nyx is—" she paused, tilting her head, "—unpredictable. You've no idea what he might throw at you."

Bingo leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, her confidence firm but tinged with an underlying exhaustion. "I've studied all the Spiders, Sev. Every single one. I know their patterns, their methods. Nyx doesn't scare me. I'll be ready." Her lips quirked into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed the weight she carried. "I'll finish him off and move on to the next. One less Widow standing between me and Phantom."

Sevyn chuckled softly, swirling her wine with practiced elegance as her keen eyes never left Bingo. "You've always had that fire, Knives. That unshakable drive. It's why you've always been my favorite." she said, her tone almost playful as her smirk deepened. "But don't let that fire burn you out, darling. You've been running on fumes for months now, and even the sharpest blade can dull if pushed too far."

Bingo sighed, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. Her hands laced together on the table as she looked away, her voice dropping to a softer register. "It's not just the work, Sev. It's everything else. My family's in pieces. My sister is still recovering, and I'm not even there for her…" She let out a shaky breath, her knuckles tightening. "I can't even tell them why I'm doing this! I'm fighting to keep them safe, but every day, I feel like I'm losing them more."

For a moment, Sevyn said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as her voice softened. "You're doing what you must to protect them, Knives... And I know it's hard—harder than you'll ever let on—but you're not alone in this. You have me. And as long as you need me, I'll be here to support you."

Bingo's amber eyes flickered up to meet Sevyn's gaze, and for a fleeting moment, the walls she always kept up seemed to crack. "Thanks, Sev." she murmured, her voice quieter now. "Sometimes… it feels like you're the only one who understands this side of me."

Sevyn's smirk softened, her usual cool demeanor melting into something warmer—something almost maternal. "That's because I've been where you are, Knives. I know what it's like to carry this weight, to fight for something bigger than yourself. And I'll make sure you don't go through it alone." She leaned back in her chair, the candlelight casting soft shadows across her face. "But remember, even the fiercest warriors need time to rest. Don't let this life take more from you than it already has."

Bingo nodded faintly, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. "I'll try." she said, though both of them knew it wasn't a promise she could easily keep.

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Outside, Melbourne's cityscape buzzed with life, a stark contrast to the quiet sanctuary of Sevyn's dining room. Here, the world slowed down, and for a fleeting moment, both women allowed themselves to savor this rare reprieve.

The fight would come soon enough, but for now, there was peace.

…

The familiar scent of her room wrapped around Bingo as she stepped inside, shutting the door behind her with a quiet click. Normally, her space felt like a refuge, but tonight it pressed down on her, suffocating and heavy. Tossing her keys onto the dresser, she winced at the clinking sound that cut through the silence. She sank onto the edge of her bed, her shoulders slumping, her hand dragging through her tangled hair. She didn't even bother kicking off her boots.

Her gaze dropped to the floor, eyes tracing the cracks in the hardwood. Her mind was a storm, whirling with memories, plans, and guilt. She let out a shaky breath, barely able to hold the weight of her thoughts.

Alright… just take it easy for the next few days. Keep your head straight, recharge. And then on the 1st… it's game time. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she exhaled sharply. The promise felt hollow.

A buzz from her nightstand jarred her from the spiral. Her phone's screen lit up, the glow cutting through the dim room. She reached over, hesitating when she saw two notifications: a text from Bluey and a missed call from Mum.

Her stomach tightened. Oh, man…

For a moment, she stared at the screen, her thumb hovering indecisively over the notifications. She knew what they wanted—it was Christmas, after all. They just wanted to hear from her. But guilt twisted like a knife in her chest. She knew she was the one who'd created the distance.

She tapped on Bluey's text first, swallowing the lump in her throat.

'Merry Christmas, little sister! I would've called you, but I was a little bit too busy being bombarded by the fam! I just wanted to say that I miss you, and I hope you're doing okay out there. I know you have a lot on your plate and a mission to do, but… just don't forget about us, okay? I love you, sis! '

Her breath caught as she read it. Her grip on the phone tightened as tears welled up in her eyes. Bluey always had a way of cutting through her armor, slipping under the walls she'd spent years building. She blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay, but they spilled over anyway, streaking down her face.

With trembling fingers, she typed a response, her vision blurring as she wrote.

'Thanks, Bluey… I promise I'll see you guys again soon. I miss you all so much. I love you, sis.'

She lingered for a moment before hitting send, the message almost mocking her. The words felt heavy, like a lie she desperately wanted to make true. The ache in her chest deepened as she stared at the chat, her hands trembling.

After a moment, she took a deep breath and backed out of Bluey's text. Her thumb hovered over the missed call from Chilli.

Alright… let's just rip the Band-Aid off. I hope Mum isn't pissed at me.

She tapped the number, lifting the phone to her ear. It rang twice before Chilli's familiar voice came through, warm yet laced with a quiet edge.

"Bingo."

"Mum.." she said softly, the word catching in her throat. She leaned back on the bed, her free hand gripping the fabric of her shirt. "..Sorry I missed your call earlier.."

Chilli's silence stretched for a beat too long. "I was starting to think I wouldn't hear from you at all today..." she said, her voice even, though Bingo could hear the undercurrent of worry.

Bingo winced. "I know. I'm sorry. I've just… been busy."

"Busy.." Chilli repeated, her tone sharper now. "Too busy to call your family on Christmas? Bingo.."

Bingo's grip tightened on her shirt, her eyes squeezing shut. "I know how it sounds, Mum. I didn't mean to blow you guys off. It's just… I've had a lot going on." Her voice faltered, but she pushed through. "It wasn't anything serious, but it kept me tied up all day."

Another silence, heavier this time. Chilli's sigh came through the line, soft but unmistakable. "We just miss you, sweetheart," she said, her voice quieter now. "Bluey's been asking about you all day, and your dad's been… Well, you know how he gets when he's worried. And I'm worried too, Bingo."

Bingo swallowed hard, her heart twisting. "I know, Mum. I miss you all too. More than you know." Her voice cracked, and she bit her lip, forcing herself to steady it. "But I promise, I'll come back soon. I just… need a little more time."

Chilli's tone softened, but there was still a thread of concern. "You sound tired, Bingo… You've been pushing yourself too hard, haven't you?"

"I'm fine," she lied, forcing a small smile she knew her mother couldn't see. "Really. I'll be okay. Just… give everyone a hug for me, yeah? And tell Bluey I got her message."

"I will," Chilli said gently. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart… We love you."

"Love you too, Mum," Bingo whispered, ending the call before the tears could spill over again.

She sat there for a long moment, staring at the phone in her hands. The warmth in her mother's voice and concern in her words should've comforted her, but it only deepened the ache. They didn't know the truth. They didn't know of the blood on her hands, the lies she'd spun to protect them, the darkness she carried.

Placing the phone back on the nightstand, she laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. The faint hum of Melbourne's nightlife filtered through the window, distant and hollow.

Just a few more days. Then, it's game time. One Spider at a time…

But tonight, for just a moment, she let herself be still. For once, she allowed herself to feel the cracks in her armor, just for a little while.