Author's note: Sorry somewhat took long with the story update *_*) I'd usually type in my story in my phone but ever since pokemon Go started I use my commute time for catching Pokemon hehehe anyways Hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for reviewing :)
Morning arrived and Jack was rushing towards the meeting so many things occupied his mind but one of them kept bugging him again and again. He had to do something about that thought which kept running around his head. "Come on Jack, This time just tell her how you feel... Maybe, just maybe you might have a chance of winning her heart." As Jack walked around the corner a familiar voice echoed behind him. Before Jack could even turn a pair of arms jumped at him as warmth covered his body. There she was, Mercy hugging him as she greeted her strike commander with a smile.
"Morning Jack!" Jack felt his whole body soften as he saw the huge smile in Mercy's face. "Wow, you seem to be in a good mood Angela why is that?" Jack stared at the beautiful ocean blue eyes of his companion. What could have made Mercy so happy? Jack thought of all possibilities which could have resulted to such a thing - after what happened between her and Gabriel during the plane flight he was expecting her to be in such a sulky mood but here she is smiling and in his arms. Is this a sign? Maybe she's trying to move on?
But whatever the reason was Jack was ready to confess - it was now or never! He took a deep breath but before he could say anything Mercy beat him to his own thought - "Gabriel confessed to me." In that instant the smile in Jack's face faded as he looked at Mercy for a while his mind went blank as it tried registering what Mercy just said
"Gabriel confessed to me."
That was it. Jack stood there for a moment his stoned face showed no emotion whereas Angela's hyper mood became silent. She look at Jack's face as she stared into his eyes. It was like looking at a shell - nothing was in it. It was like his soul was torn out of his body. Mercy felt alarmed as she held Jack's face with her left hand while waving her right hand in front of him trying desperately to get his attention.
Jack blinked a few times as he looked back at Mercy who had a worried face. "Are you okay Jack?" Mercy's tone was filled with concern as she stepped even closer to him while touching his forehead. "You're not sick right? Your temperature seems to be okay..." Jack tried to fake a smile while cradling the soft hands cupped around his cheeks. "I'm fine... So whe-when did he confessed to you?"
Jack couldn't help the stuttering as he looked at Mercy with a broken heart, but he had to act strong. He saw how Mercy smiled when the topic switched to 'Gabriel' - She must really love him. Jack felt his heart crushed as he looked at Mercy giggling while trying to find the right words to explain to him what happened "It happened last night! It was really amazing Jack don't you know we-"
"Jack, Angela" Both blondes turned as a voice called to them from the left part of the hallway. "Gabriel!" Mercy smiled as she ran towards her Reyes. Gabriel lips curled upward as he saw the doctor greeting him good morning. They didn't talk about it but they knew that even after what happened last night they needed to try and act professionally. "Good morning Ange... " Gabriel kissed the forehead of Angela as quickly as possible so as to avoid gossips from wandering eyes.
"I'll meet you inside, I have to talk to Jack for a moment." Mercy nodded as she waved at Jack and Gabriel one more time before going in the room and here they are again, left alone in the hallway - Gabriel wanted to clear things out. He knew that before starting the mission he needed to talk to Jack to avoid unwanted thoughts from disrupting whatever was needed to be done.
"We have to get in the room. You know how Amelie hates tardiness." Jack stated as he tried walking pass Gabriel who quickly blocked His way. "We need to talk now." Gabriel looked stern at Jack who eyed Gabriel the same way. "This isn't the right time or place Gabe and you know it." Morrison pushed the body of his friend slightly as he walked pass him.
Gabriel brought out a sigh as he stood there facing the opposite direction. He mustered his strength as the words flowed heavily in his mouth.
"Thank you for not taking Angela away from me..."
Jack stopped he felt his chest go heavy as he paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. He felt guilty and pissed at the same time. But since Gabriel initiated the topic mind as well continue it. "The truth is..." Jack spoke as he looked at the blank hallway in front of Him. Gabriel and Jack were both looking at opposite directions as their backs faced each other.
No more hiding
"The truth is... I wanted to win Angela's heart, I wanted her to be mine... I wanted to be the person she'd run to whenever she's lonely , I wanted to be her world, but..." Gabriel was silent as he waited for Jack to finish his sentence. "But...?" Gabriel asked as he looked down at his hands as it formed into a fist. Jack took a deep breath-
It was now or never
"But... She'd never give it to me, because her heart has always belonged to you from the very start." Gabriel was stunned for a moment. Jack's confession felt like a strong punch on the face. Was he that dense? Was he that stupid not to notice such a thing? Gabriel kept quiet the whole time now as Jack's word sunk into him.
Jack sighed as he started walking to the door but before he went in he turned to face his friend who still had his back faced at him "I love her Gabriel. My feelings will never changed, but I'm willing to step down for both of you to be happy. Let's try to bring back the times we use to spend together. The times we had no awkwardness or negative feelings - I'll back down... For both of you... but mark my words Gabriel. If you hurt her one more time... I won't stay quiet anymore."
With that said Jack stepped in the meeting room leaving Gabriel alone. Gabriel had to gather his thoughts before entering the room. He had to relax for a while. Release all the negative feelings. He inhaled and exhaled slowly. His hands relaxed now as he turned and walked straight to the door but before he walked in he looked at the blank space of the door one more time as he whispered "I'll treasure her... She'll be my priority and she will forever be a part of me. I promise, the day she cries will be the day I'll die."
The meeting started not too long after Gabriel entered. The room was filled with people not only Overwatch agents but also soldiers. Everyone was noisy at first but the noise died down as Amelie entered the room. She brought out different papers and photos as she displayed everything in the white board. She had to make things clear so as to avoid misunderstandings.
"Okay guys listen up." Amelia shouted as she caught the attention of everyone. She circled a picture of a guy with long black hair and red blood eyes. "This is Ilyich Ulmanov the infamous Talon's death bringer." Everyone fell silent as they looked at the picture intently. Before Amelia could continue someone immediately raised his hand as Amelia permitted him to speak.
"Why is he called the death bringer?" Amelia brought out pictures showing everyone different dead bodies. Before Amelia could say anything the guy immediately commented back "Those are mummified bodies. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with that, right?" Everyone nodded their heads as the whispers grew louder.
Amelia brought out her hand signaling everyone to keep quiet. "That is true-" Amelia replied back but she eyed the soldier in front of her with a piercing gaze as she got one of the pictures. "- but this picture has been taken an hour after seeing the victim walking around the market." Everyone started muttering words of disbelief as the whole room became noisy. "Everyone Calm down!" Jack intervened as he ordered everyone to keep silent.
"It is said that Talon is experimenting on something. The item or the reason why Talon is having secret transactions with the black market is still vague but we will get to the bottom of this. That is why we need him alive. And just so you know, he is one of the suspects for bombing this base." Amelia eyes surveyed the room as she tucked the strands of hair which covered her face. "This... Wasn't supposed to be your mission... Im sure you guys were sent here just for a survey task but... I'm sorry we have to change it. Please treat this mission like your very lives depend on it. Commander Reyes and Strike Commander Morrison will be giving you the details of the troop arrangement in the mean time I'll be briefing you guys on what you'll be dealing with."
Amelia looked back at the board as she encircled a picture. "This is the Temple of Anubis. One of the tourist attractions before which is now close due to the terrorist bombing incident - Talon's doing..." Amelia paused for a while as she read the reports handed to her. "It was said that our wanted man was seen buying something off and experimenting it here." Amelia looked at everyone "He isn't alone apparently he has a team or maybe you can call them 'bodyguards'. He has maybe around 40-50 mean walking around the area..."
"The sheer number of men under him makes us suspicious on how important this guy is to Talon." Amelia paused for a while as she showed more pictures of the terrain. "We plan to send two teams - one coming from the left while the other from the right. Since there is a blind spot here we can ask team A to break in first while team B provides support from the back lines."
"It is Important to capture the target at all cost. We need him. He is the only one who can tell us what Talon's plans are. So now I'll be giving the floor to Commander Reyes." Amelia swiftly stepped aside as Gabriel stood in the middle of the room. "I'll be handling Team B while Morrison will be handling Team A."
Gabriel gave the list of people positioned in Team A as well as their rendezvous point. Mercy looked as Ana, Reinhardt, Torbjorn and the other soldiers were given their task as they left one by one. Mercy sat there as she saw the people in the room dissipate little by little until only the three of them were left. Jack and Gabriel seemed to be debating on something while Mercy just sat there waiting for an order. Mercy couldn't hear exactly what they were talking about but she could pick up bits and pieces of their conversation. "I don't think that's a good idea Jack." Gabriel retorted as he massaged the back of his neck. "If we wish to even out the strength of both teams, we have too..."
"Jack, Gabriel?" Both men faced the doctor as she walked closer to them. she was wearing the inner suit of her Valkyrie armor which followed the shape of her body emphasizing the curves she possessed more. Gabriel couldn't help but space out for a while as he looked at her. He always felt so tongue tied every time he sees her even up to now, but he had to forget all these thoughts first and focus on what was needed to be finished.
Jack held onto Mercy's hands first before looking back at Gabriel "Angela... I'll leave both of you alone first. I think it's better if Gabriel and you talk about this." and with that Jack left the room leaving his two 'friends' behind. They were silent for a while as Mercy waited for Gabriel to say something but he seemed to be avoiding her gaze as he looked the other way contemplating on something. "Gabriel... do you have any orders for me?" Mercy asked as she looked at Gabriel in the eyes. Gabriel brought out a sigh as he showed her the plans and Team members. "I... don't know where to put you actually...You see Jack will be leading strike team A. once they enter the first point I'll be leading team B to the second point and that is where our target should be hiding at." Mercy looked at the plans and back at Gabriel. "Where is Ana in?" Gabriel looked puzzled at Mercy who took the papers which listed all the team members.
"Ana is in my team, why ask?" Gabriel looked at the blonde who looked at the other paper holding the members of Team B. "Ana is a good support as well as a good watcher... if you have her as well as Reinhardt, doesn't that make your defenses really strong?" Mercy looked at her commander who looked stunned for a while as his lips curled up slightly. "Yes ... Yes you are right. I have a good set of people under my team already..." With that conclusion Gabriel immediately knew where Mercy wanted to position herself as she got the pen and wrote her name under Team A. Mercy looked at Gabriel who fell silent for a while. "I'm sorry Gabriel... I just think that Jack needs my support more - especially since they'll be charging in first. Maybe after the attack in the first point I'll try my best to heal the wounded and once done I'll assist you immediately... I hope you aren't mad..."
Gabriel looked at Mercy who gazed down at her feet. She didn't want Gabriel to think that she was choosing Jack over him. She stayed silent for a while until she felt warm hands caressing her cheeks. Mercy looked up as she gazed into those chocolate eyes she loved so much. "You know... you're a good strategist maybe you should switch your occupation from a doctor to a war analyst." Mercy laughed as she savored the warmth pressed on her cheeks. "You know how much I hate war..." Mercy smiled as she gazed at the whiteboard "All I want is for this to be over...and maybe I'll be given a chance to have a simple life. To settle in a quiet farm and maybe build a family with the one I love..." Mercy blushed as she looked at Gabriel lovingly.
His strong gaze always softened every time he talks to her. Gabriel kissed Mercy's forehead as he hugged her and inhaled her scent. "I promise you, when this is over we will fulfill that dream of yours." Mercy could feel her heart beating fast as she hugged Gabriel tightly whispering a small 'Thank you' as they both enjoyed the peace and quiet that surrounded them. It may be just for a moment but this event will forever be embedded in both of their hearts.
Jack waited quietly outside as he leaned against the wall. He wanted to argue badly with Gabriel on where Mercy was going to be placed but he couldn't help but think. "If ever I force Gabriel to put Angela under my team... what would be my reason? Is it to benefit my team? or is it for me?" He couldn't help but feel the guilt rise inside him. He had to try and control himself - but how could he? the longer he stayed with them. the stronger his feelings for Angela was and the more he felt envious towards Gabriel. Jack tried relaxing as he leaned his head backwards while breathing slowly but as he closed his eyes the only thing that flashed in his mind was Angela's smile.
Jack stayed silent for a while until the door opened as Gabriel and Mercy stepped out. "So?" Jack looked at them as Mercy smiled and held the hands of Jack. "I'll be seeing you later Jack Don't worry I got you!" and with that Mercy bid her two of them farewell as she left to prepare for their departure.
Jack looked at Gabriel for a while "How did it go?" Gabriel didn't bother looking at his friend as he stared at the blonde walking further away into the hallway. "She chose your team. She believed that you need her services more than me." Gabriel said it flatly with no emotions of envy or hatred. It was like a casual talk. Jack smiled as he looked at the blonde turning right thus disappearing from his sight. "She will always put her duty first before anything else huh..."
Gabriel laughed as he nodded his head in agreement with Jack. but before he left he looked at his friend one more time. "Jack promise me you'll take care of her..." Jack smirked as he walked ahead of Gabriel "You don't need to tell me that Gabe. I'll protect her with my life." and with that both of them left leaving their past pained self behind.
Everyone was silent throughout the road trip. Everyone was slightly scared of what the outcome would be. Some of the men were use to war while the others weren't and Mercy was one of them. She wore her Valkyrie's armor suit without the wings - as she sat between her strike commander and friend. as Mercy looked at her right she couldn't help but smile as she saw Torbjorn sleeping. "Wow... he isn't nervous at all..." Mercy said as she caught the attention Jack who laughed softly beside her. "Torbjorn is always like that, but I can assure you his turrets does a good beating towards the enemy." Both of them shared a few laughters as Mercy looked at the floor. "Jack... are you scared?" Jack stayed quiet for a while as he looked at Mercy "I'll be lying if I told you I wasn't..." Mercy laughed slightly as she looked back at Jack "So you mean to tell me the great Jack Morrison is actually scared of the battlefield as well?" Jack chuckled slightly as he looked at his hands "Well I'm not really scared of what the battlefield can do to me but I fear more on what it can do to the people who are important to me."
"What do you mean?" Mercy perked as she looked curiously at Jack who held her hand as he looked at Mercy's eyes "I... never mind Ange. Just stay close to me or if ever you need help call me okay Ange?" Mercy nodded her head slowly as Jack quickly broke the gaze as he looked back in front again. Mercy could feel her heart beat as she slightly leaned on Jack's shoulder. "Thank you Jack... for always taking care of me." Jack felt a warm feeling build up in him as he savored the sweet scent and warmth "You're always welcome my Angel."
As they reached the destination everyone formed up quietly. Gabriel peeked through the rocks as Jack followed beside him. "Ana do you copy?" A noise static sound was heard from across the radio as Ana replied back "I copy. Ready to survey the area." - Ana was one of the most valuable person in the group she was not just their eyes from above but also their backup. Jack and Gabriel would usually wait for her signal before they'd go in. "Gabriel everything seems to be according to plan. You can enter in about 10 min."
Jack ordered everyone to prepare as people started walking left and right while choosing their weapons. Everyone seemed so busy but all their attention turned as Mercy entered the group. Everyone was astonished with her complete Valkyrie suit. It was her first time wearing it in front of them and she was mesmerizing. She really looked like an Angel. Mercy Stood tall as she held her Caduceus staff on her right hand while her pistol on her left. Her wings shined just as bright as the morning sun as she stood with confidence amongst the crowd. "You look amazing Mercy." A voice cracked as Mercy listened to the head piece placed on her head which looked just like a halo. "Why thank you Ana and you look great high up there." Ana chuckled from the other line as she steadied her scope while viewing the Talon soldiers walking around.
"Are you ready?" Jack walked at Mercy as she breathed heavily "Yes I am!" Jack smiled as he faced his men again and ordered to move. Before Mercy followed she looked at Gabriel one more time who slowly walked up to her. "Hey be careful out there, if ever you need help call for Jack immediately. If something happens and you can't seem to contact him - call Torbjorn, Reinhardt, Ana or me." Mercy laughed as she gave Gabriel a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll be fine Gabriel trust me! I'll prevail."
As Mercy stepped amongst the strike team she looked back one more time as she saluted Gabriel before Jack gave the signal as the whole team deployed charging straight to point A. Mercy dashed forward focusing on the task at hand as she kept thinking over and over again. "Be their protector Angela, remember…"
"Heroes never die."
