I woke up to him gently kicking me in my legs, I kissed his neck and he pulled away panicking.
" jack it's just me"
" sorry" he gruffly mumbled as he threw a muscled arm over me, pinning me in place as he snuggled against me. I tried to wiggle into a more comfortable position but he was out cold again. His soft snoring kicking in. Trapped, there couldn't be a better way to be trapped actually. Is it wrong to want to cry from happiness? after all these years to be able to do this again? back when i thought he was... i would have given anything for these moments again. Trying to hold back tears only caused me to shake slightly.
He stirred again, his eyes slowly opening and looking at me sleepily.
" you know... I love you" he said slightly slurred with sleep.
I smiled and kissed his arm,he yawned and smiled, his eyes now open fully., his hand stroking my naked sides.
" so" he rolled onto his side looking at me. " during the night..."
I lightly giggled " if you mean night by early morning then yes..." as a smile formed on my face. It had been a long time since a post mission, middle of the night wake up and go at it like the world was collapsing love making fest. He smiled and I swear almost blushed. My thighs still burned slightly from the friction. I fucking love this man so much.
" you still got it my love" I said with a smile.
" this old dog still has some new tricks" he joked as he kissed my cheek.
" hush you aren't old"
" ah but physically compared to you " he nudged me with his nose and stroked my hair. Shaking my head out, leaned into him kissing him gently.
" fuck what time is it" he sighed reaching for a phone.
The bright screen causing us both to flinch.
" shit... seven pm?" He mumbled.
" well we didn't get back til like. 9 am, then we probably didn't get to bed until maybe 11 am... " I muttered. " and then..." i slightly giggled and he kissed my cheek again.
"True" he then realized he was holding my phone and handed it to me. No messages or anything. I guess everyone was exhausted. Not surprising.
Our bodies shifted into each other, he held me while scrolling on his phone.
" shit ange" he muttered his voice sounded panicked.
" what is..." I asked but he held out his phone to me.
" is mercy back?" Read a headline of a small news organization.
A picture was there. I was mostly obscured by some people I was tending too. But the wings on my suit and my hair could be clearly seen.
" oh scheisse" I uttered.
Scanning the article :
" former head of medical research at overwatch may be back, or so it would seem according to some eye witness accounts. Her once blonde hair now black, but her appearance in dorado didn't go unnoticed by a few victims of the attacks during the night..."
My eyes skimmed down further.
"Once known for her breakthroughs in medical discovery,her ethics and personal morals questioned when overwatch was deemed a criminal organization. She was scheduled to stand before the ethics committee many times in the past, but failed to show up at the court. With overwatch criminalized will she be held accountable if administering medical attention ? Or is she just trying to help. While we cannot confirm it is her, we also cannot deny the similarities. "
I let out a loud sigh, I'm not sure I let out a breath the entire time I read.
" this is... not good" I groaned.
" it certainly is not" he replied, his brow furrowed " we should probably talk to Winston"
" he probably already knows"
" this was just published, maybe we can get it taken down?" He questioned as he started to put on clothes. I joined him, slipping on a dress and leggings.
As we walked to Winston's room hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel angry. Who the hell cares if I am back? Oh no not a doctor in war zones. Jack knocked on Winston's door, it opened and we walked in,His back was turned as he was frantically typing.
" Angela. I'm working on getting this removed. " he uttered sounding tired.
" luckily it's a small conspiracy news source, so the validity will be questioned regardless. But now you might be fresher in some people's minds"
I shifted from foot to foot, before just leaning into Jack's side, he hardly moved into it, but at least it was support.
" theoretically the worst that could come of this is just a doctor being in the field. Who formerly worked for overwatch, right?" mused Jack, i could hear hint of worry in his voice.
" well yes. But she is wearing our old tech. So that could raise a few questions, especially since she 'turned it in' during the trials, It's difficult to say what the worst scenario would be" Winston responded, still typing.
" can I ask how they found out about the ethics meetings?" Came my voice, i almost startled myself, i thought... everything should have been sealed, but then again who cares once we are deemed terrorists. But if lose my license...
Winston sighed and pushed up his glasses.
" that's a long story for another day. Right now I'll work on this as best as I can. You still aren't supposed to be in the field anyways. " Winston gruffly responded.
" understood " I don't want to argue this today, why would someone take this and post this?
" thank you Winston, keep us updated " said Jack, sounding slightly exasperated.
" not a problem" said Winston, as he furiously began typing some more and softly muttering to Athena.
We left the room and walked out toward the main area. Lucio was laying on the couch with Hana, shoulder to shoulder and gaming again.
" oh hey!" Said Lucio not looking up from his game.
" hello" I replied.
" I'm going to crush you!" Yelled Hana in frustration. As explosions happened on the screen, jacks grip tightened on me.
" hey darling. Let's go for a run or something" I whispered. Tugging at him to follow me. He luckily did after a few moments of struggling. As we got outside he turned to me and mumbled something about needing to be alone for a few minutes.
" that's fine, you can run alone. I'll be on the roof " I didn't want to agitate him. He had been so good lately and if he needs a moment he needs a moment. My hands touched the cold bars of the ladder as I climbed. I could hear McCree talking to Lena.
I sat on the opposite edge. Not wanting to interrupt them but no sooner had I lit my smoke than Lena had come up behind me wrapping her arms around me.
" ow are you today?" She asked plopping down next to me.
" eh" I responded and exhaled" you?"
" smashing! Headache that is!" her grin taking over her face as she held back a laugh.
" oh do you need something for it?"
" naw luv, I'm fine!" She said cheerfully while resting her head on my shoulder. I finished my cigarette and snuggled into her side.
"You feel like venturing inside with me?" asked Lena. I nodded, i could use some socialization time, instead of mulling around in my head. I followed her down, no sign of Jack anywhere anyways. He could probably really use some head clearing time as well. As we walked in we spied Lucio and Hana playing games on the projection screen, they could just play in their rooms, but this was much more adorable.
" maybe we should just team up instead of playing against each other" said Lucio, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Lena and I exchanged glances, and started motioning if we should leave or not. Then again, it's us and the opportunity to see Lucio attempt flirting was too precious to miss.
" hmmm you are halfway decent, and I haven't played competitive team up in awhile..." as she carefully flipped some of her hair over her shoulder, her face scrunching in contemplation.
" is that a yes?"
Hana frowned then smiled real big, Lucio's worried expression changed to ecstatic.
" ha! Yes" she squeaked as she switched menus.
" but only if I get to listen to your new album before the concert!" She teased.
Lena was trying so hard to keep her mouth shut, she was wiggling next to me, and holding her hand over her own mouth, her eyes getting bigger with each thing they said.
" welllllll I don't normally do that but... for you! I would" he looked so happy. Hana looked away but you could tell she was smiling.
" all I'm saying is, yer armor could use a few updates" came Torbjorn's voice.
" ah my friend this armor has served me well for many years , it does not need any updates!" Shouted Reinhardt as they made their way to their chess set. Reinhardt towering in his chair, this would probably ruin Lucio's moment with Hana but they seemed oblivious. Completely wrapped up in their had a pillow gripped in her hands ready to toss at the loud intruders.
Jesse came sauntering over to us as he plopped down in a chair, holding his flask out to Lena who happily took a swig offering it to me.
I took a sip, handing it back to Jesse.
" we should probably go out some night soon, ya know?" Said Lena.
" ah, I cannot" I replied
" because of that writing about you?" Asked Jesse.
Lena shot him a look and gently punched his arm.
" what?" He said looking confused.
" it should be taken down by now, besides what can they prove ? The world knows some of our tech was stolen... and like there were no facial shots" I mumbled reaching back for the flask we were passing around.
" yeah love , I wouldn't worry bout it, it's just gossip afterall " comforted Lena. I am worried about it. My stomach knotted tightly at the thought.
" besides no one would believe you got black hair now!" She teased ruffling my hair.
" think again" said Lucio suddenly.
" I mean I figured out it was her" he added.
" oi! Shut it" barked Lena.
" didn't she also spend a few months with you?" Said Reinhardt.
" true" replied Lucio frowning and concentrating harder on his game.
" but like. Is your medical license really gone?" Asked Hana. I'm not dealing with this, the mere suggestion is ridiculous.
" of course not! Ethics can be questioned without taking away a license" I muttered as Lena just shoved the flask in my hands. I finished it off, and handed it to Jesse who walked over to the cabinets to find more.
Not true actually, I was in a lot of hot water back then and Jack would always bail me out. It's a very real and scary thing. Your life's achievements narrowed down to what a committee deems what's right and wrong. How saving lives could be considered wrong is utter nonsense.
" soooorry just a question " mumbled Hana as she yelled something as her character died.
Ah the golden age... I could feel my nails digging into my skin.
" well we could always change your hair" said Lena.
I sighed " sure" what's the point, i will always look the same regardless.
" REALLY?" Shouted Lena. I shrugged. Whatever. It had changed so much in the past few years. Changing it again wouldn't hurt. I twisted a strand around my finger. It was fading, and I cannot stay with the raven black hair forever.
I'm so glad we went from talking about my medical license to my hair color. I got up getting my bottle of vodka when...
" it was a trash article, don't let it get to you" said Ana suddenly, I guess she had been in the kitchen. I leaned back against a counter top while taking a gulp from the bottle. Her back turned to me as she moved about making something.
" but there's still some truth to it, I mean how could there not be?" I asked softly.
Ana sighed, carefully placing down her spatula for a moment.
" Angela. What we are doing is illegal. So with or without your medical license you will be fine" she said then returned to cooking. I took a large swig and sunk to the floor.
" but what if I " I stopped myself. Is there really life after this? " retiring" running off with jack and living our lives. Without my license would I feel worse about everything. My ability to help people was solely due to my medical knowledge. The advances I made had been numerous, there will always be new discoveries, more illnesses.
" don't be so moody you will be fine, you are smarter than this whatever you are going through" said Ana as she fussed around the kitchen some more. I took another swig, finally feeling more than tipsy.
I tried standing but my legs shook, so I tried standing again. Slowly regaining my ability to move I stumbled toward Lena.
" Lucio you promised I could listen to your new album" whined Hana as she tried to pull his controller away.
" did I? Strange! I don't remember offering that" he said.
" that's bullocks!" Shouted Lena at him.
" you promised " I added slurring my words slightly.
" no words from you two! " said Lucio.
" are you silencing us?!" Said Lena sitting up and putting up her fists " those are fighting words!"
" oh Lena. No fighting" I scolded while leaning against her. She gently rubbed my shoulder while giggling.
" oh I wouldn't hurt him" she laughed, her smile was contagious.
" well if he doesn't let me listen then you can hurt him" said Hana grumpily.
" no! That won't be necessary I just wanted you to hear it live first" argued Lucio
" well you could perform live for me before your show" said Hana with a huge grin.
Lena started to open her mouth and I shushed her, this seemed to be going somewhere. Jesse chuckled and handed a beer to Lena and offered one to me.
" I'm fine, I have this" I said taking another gulp of vodka. Returning to the tipsy state I heard bastion whirring along with jack talking to him. Ah, that's good, them hanging out is good.
" oh oops. Sorry you can have her back" said Lena noticing Jack approaching, she popped up and collapsed onto Jesse.
" it's fine" said jack gruffly. I wonder what his...
" I was actually just coming to get you to talk to Winston" said Jack. Ughhhhhhhhhhh.
I stood up trying to focus on walking, Jack slid an arm around my waist.
" you should probably leave that here" he said pointing to the bottle I was clutching. Fuck.
" fair enough" I said setting it on the ground. Leaving my liquid courage behind me, not that it did much these days, maybe it was the act of drinking that calmed me down... but i shouldn't go down that road arm still firmly around my waist as we walked to Winston's room.i could feel my balance was off as I leaned into Jack and pulled away and leaned and pulled away.
" Jesus. Maybe we should do this later"
" it's fine. I'm fine" I muttered, moody... rightfully so. I'm a doctor who should be medicating instead of drinking. I should be working on things instead of drinking, really though, i should be working on things, but i don't have any ways to test out my experiments anymore, i don't have tons of people at my fingertips to ask if they will try new tech.
He knocked on the door, we heard Winston tell us to enter. He was perched on his tire and looking down at us.
" found out that some people who were injured last night posted the image to a social site. And the blog found out and wrote about it. Luckily no one could or would confirm it was you. It was removed and now it's just a random discussion here and there. But nothing to worry too much about" said Winston.
" so that's good then... yes?" I asked, anxiously running my free hand through my hair.
" better but still not great" said Jack.
" well in this age of tech, photos are bound to happen" said Winston as he slowly rocked in the swing. His eyes looked kind and comforting.
" but you shouldn't have been out there in the first place" argued jack. Fuck what the hell? I thought we went over this...
" this is true. But we shouldn't be so hard on her. You haven't known her as long as we have... while she went against orders, it's in her nature. " said Winston fiddling with his glasses.
" Winston is that all we needed to hear or?" I asked cautiously. I could hear jack sharply inhale. He's holding himself back, but Winston doesn't know, it's hard to believe no one has put the two things together, oh well...
" for now, yes. But you are obviously being reprimanded, you cannot keep disobeying" he said.
"disobeying what? it's not like this..." i stopped myself, what has gotten into me...
" thank you Winston" said Jack as he walked with me to the door, it's already wearing off.
As the door closed I couldn't hold my words back.
" what the hell?" I asked.
" what?" He replied, his voice sounded bitter.
" I thought we talked about this " my voice echoed with hurt.
He sighed " can I just get my medication so I can go to sleep?" He asked. " or do you think you cannot do that?" . That was hurtful, I chewed my lip and we walked to my lab. I have pre mixed vials for him now. As we entered my office I readied the needle.
" I'm capable Jack , you of all people should know this. " I couldn't disguise the fact that I was insulted. He had probably witnessed me drunk hundreds of times, i'm not actually that drunk even, just tipsy. Not like how i used to get, but i don't think there's enough alcohol in the world for that right now. I mean, i wouldn't work drunk, if there was an emergency i had too, if i was the only doctor available. I was a mess, a complete an absolute mess sometimes, but it was either let them die or try. I usually opted for trying, luckily i was never plastered during that, that got me to sober up fast back then.
He sighed removing his arm from his jacket as I injected him. I could do this in my sleep. But I sat on the ledge of my desk as I did it anyways. As i tossed the recapped syringe into the bin he spoke" I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I just... it's been a long day, and I worry about you, and I need to find a way to handle that better, just like you do. I mean I'm taking medication and you aren't , i just don't want you to..." He stopped, he was jumping conclusions, in all these years without him i never fully relapsed. Not that i could if i tried, my body processes much faster. I ran my hands through his hair, and kissed his forehead. He was right, I should be medicating myself, or someone should be medicating me.
" i understand, just try to be more careful with what you say love. " I said softly. He held my hand for a moment.
" I worked with bastion today" his voice had an attempt at happiness in it.
" yeah?"
" yeah.. he's doing better. He got freaked out during the mission but he at least knows when to shoot, and that it's okay to do so... kinda reminds me of you in that aspect" he removed his mask and looked at my face with concern written all over it.
" I shouldn't have done it, I know I shouldn't have. But you know me..."
" I know, and it's why I'm trying so hard to not be furious. Back in the day you would constantly pull risky moves and I would cover for you... constantly. I don't think you understand the amount of times I did. But now it's different, it's completely different. For one if anything happened to you you don't have a medical staff anymore... you didn't have backup which was absolutely reckless of you-"
" I know Jack. Believe me I know" I interrupted.
" Angela we have a kid now, can you please think before you put your life into danger"
" what about you?!" burst out of my mouth, a valid point... but probably not the best time.
" I can at least defend myself competently and have the ability to be healed by anyone, but if it would get bad you are my doctor , you are the doctor to all of us" his voice slightly cracked " you are without a doubt one of the most valuable members of our team"
His hand cupped my chin and he looked me in the eyes. I wanted to look away but they are so intoxicating, but seeing them so sad was heartbreaking.
" I don't know how I can say I'm sorry enough"
" just please. I'm begging you, don't do it again. Or atleast don't do it without backup. " he said softly as he pulled me into a kiss. It was so gentle but so powerfully filled with emotion. His hand cradled the back of my neck pulling me into him as he stood in front of me.
A knock at the door, he pulled away smirking at me.
" see?" He said as he gently lifted my chin up with his hand.
" yes?" I said loudly as I walked to the door smoothing down my dress.
" hey! So... Lucio got hurt" said Hana.
Jack slightly laughed and put on his mask, opening the door to a slightly bloodied Lucio. Blood dripping from his nose.
" what happened?" I gasped, motioning them to come to my exam room.
" wellllllll. He was teasing me and I may or may not have accidentally hit his nose with a controller" said Hana. I frowned and cleaned up the blood on his face inspecting his broken nose.
" well that must have been some hit" I said " Lucio brace yourself this will hurt for a moment"
" wait what are you going to do?"
" i need to reset your nose" i stated.
" ugh not again" he muttered.
" again?" I said running my fingers along his nose. Yep. Definitely happened before.
" hockey injuries" said Lucio shrugging.
" ohhh I love hockey. Well I love watching it" said Hana, she sounded both sorry and hopeful.
While she was distracting him I put it back into place, a little trickle of blood streamed down , but after searching through my drawers I found some of my resetting gel. It's one of those weird inventions I made, since I didn't want any soldiers having damaged noses, I created something different than the typical nose graft. As long as I reset the Cartilage properly then the gel would stabilize it, it got picked up by quiet a few hospitals and sports injury clinics. Fast stable repairs. Technically i made it when i was around 17? maybe 16... hmph.
" oh I hate this stuff" muttered Lucio.
" I invented this stuff" I said with a slight smirk as I injected it into the main areas of injury.
" of course you did" he sighed as he reflexively went to touch his nose. I pulled his hands away.
" now lay back for a few minutes okay?" I asked as I typed some things into my holopad for his medical chart.
" I should have remembered you played sports" I said out loud, I watched a few of his soccer matches while I lived near him, Jess was usually bored but enjoyed the company. I wasn't a huge fan, watching people getting injured for no reason other than entertainment seemed barbaric.
" I cannot believe you handled all those injections so well!" Said Hana as she lightly touched his shoulder then blushed.
" well, you know" he said a blush creeping onto his face. " I mean it was nothing" he said.
" I'm so sorry about your nose... I owe you" said Hana.
" naw you don't owe me anything. I shouldn't have been teasing you" said Lucio.
" I insist!" Cooed Hana.
" alright it should be completely set, I would advise you to avoid touching it. There might be some swelling but other than that you should be fine. " I said. Lucio sat up and looked at Hana as they got up and walked out. As I washed my hands and cleaned up I heard them talking.
" well I mean. Maybe you would consider doing something with me sometime. I mean like. Go somewhere with me sometime" stammered Lucio. Oh my god.
" oh my god! Are you... are you asking me out?" Said Hana giggling.
" well when you put it that way.." he sounded defeated.
" of course I will!" She squealed. I glanced over and caught her planting a quick kiss on his cheek. I smiled to myself, I couldn't wait to tell Lena, as I headed back to the main area I saw Jack speaking with Genji and Hanzo. Somehow that makes me nervous. I don't know why though.
Lena was half asleep on Jesse's lap, and he was absent mindedly stroking her hair while humming quietly to himself.
" Lena" I softly said. Her eyes popped open.
" ya?" She said sleepily.
" I have news for you" I teased as I sat across from her.
" oh come on. Spill it! " she pleaded.
" I may have heard a certain someone asking another someone out" I said smiling.
" oh! No way! No way!" She cheered looking around for the pair who were nowhere to be seen.
She passed me the bottle of vodka I had been working on earlier.
" this calls for a celebration" she said as she took a swig from Jesse's other flask. Jesse shook his head and smiled, puffing on his cigar. I took a gulp of my vodka and kept smiling.
" it's really sweet " I said.
Jack walked over to me and slightly ruffled my hair.
" speaking of really sweet! What's going on with you two? Ya finally?" She smashed her hands together and giggled.
" and is that your business?" I asked arching an eyebrow.
" oh I'm just jokin! Don't get your tits in a knot"
" tits in a knot? That ones new" commented Jesse.
" ugh bugger off lover" said Lena mock pouting at him. He kissed her cheek and she slightly blushed.
" it was dumb! I was trying to conver- converse, of course you are. i haven't seen... " she slurred slightly. "i mean i heard"
I felt a slight blush creep onto my cheeks.
" it's fine, I don't mind" said jack, as I curled into him taking another swig, he moved the bottle further away from me when i set it down, oh well...
" sooooo..." said Lena shifting uncomfortably. She was always outspoken which is fine, it was rare to make her uncomfortable.
" where is our little bastion friend?" She said.
" he's with Winston, probably messing around on the computer" said Jack. "i think he wanted to play star craft or something?"
Genji came over and carefully placed some cards down and sat on the floor in front of the coffee table in front of us.
" I know it is late, but we are all still awake so" said Genji sounding hopeful.
" oh I cannot possibly play" I uttered. Not that I didn't want too, I'm the worst at cards above a 3rd grade level.
As Jesse began shuffling cards, he looked up at me " eh. You are playing" he said.
I shifted nervously, usually he chose poker, i don't even understand it. The cards slid in front of me and I held back an audible sigh. Hanzo sat down We could all use the distraction, as I smiled at the group attempting.
Lena was constantly making the goofiest faces trying to get Jesse to abandon his tight lipped poker face, Genji, you couldn't tell, same with Jack... and don't even try to read Hanzo, i think he's training his face to constantly be void of emotions.
"come on floofy wooly werewolfy" giggled Lena.
Jesse clamped down on his cigar, while the group exploded into laughter, even Hanzo let out some laughter, a true rarity.
"what..." i laughed out.
"Floofy wooly werewolfy... because it rhymes with Jesse McCree" said Lena.
"I do not believe it does" stated Hanzo, regaining his composure.
"Sure it does!" she argued as she muttured it back to herself, her mouth betraying her attempts at saying it to herself.
"oh. " she muttured.
"i have been telling you and telling you, you don't know how to rhyme" Grumbled Jesse.
" i mean, it's not a skill" said Lena looking slightly offended.
"aw come on floofy, just show us your cards" said Jack, he was a sucker for horrible nicknames.
"Beg your pardon" said Jesse raising an eyebrow, scheisse!
"i'm not-" he started but then stopped himself, Jesse and him had some terrible ongoing jokes back and forth, but if he made that joke Jesse could put the two together.
"i was just saying, your name is Floofy" corrected Jack.
I was feeling the effects of the drink when I slammed down my cards, and Lena did the same as she burst into laughter. Hanzo eyed us both with a look of surprise.
" oh my god" said Jesse.
" Angela. You almost won with four of a kind but Lena...you have a straight flush" said Genji.
Lena and I looked at each other and burst into laughter.
The men just staring blankly.
" how did you do that?" Asked Hanzo.
" I just remembered to match and hold" said Lena smiling. She then popped up and grabbed my hand.
" I believe you promised I could play with your hair" said Lena.
" yes" I stated, hopefully being tipsy will give me courage to change it. Even slightly.
" uhhhhh" started Jesse.
" that doesn't sound like a good idea right now" added jack.
" I used to color my hair, drunk was never the way-" started Genji
" ah we'll be fine!" Chirped Lena as we stumbled down the hall to her shared room.
" don't worry! I did all my friends hair when I was in school" said Lena as she knocked over a few items. Scattering things across the floor.
" bahhh Jesse'll get that later" she mumbled, I started to feel nervous as she pulled out a bottle of something I couldn't read due to the wear on the label.
" now. It's just gonna lighten it" she slurred. She carefully pulled out my hair and brushed it out, yanking extremely hard.
" Lena leeeeena" I whined.
" you are hurting me"
" whoops love! Sorry" she said as she giggled and went back to whatever it looked like she was doing, i could only see her arms flying around, as she blinked about the room.
" I just. I'm excited" she chirped.
" I don't think I can do this" I mumbled.
" sure ya can. You just sit there and I do it!"
" I just. I don't feel ready"
" ready for?! What ? " she huffed.
" it's just lightening it. It's not a drastic change. " mumbled Lena.
" I don't know I just" I felt tears beginning to gather in my eyes.
" I just. I don't want to be myself"
" but you are Angela. Why wouldn't you want to be Angela?" She asked confused as she plopped onto my lap. I could feel her playing with my hair as she did.
" I cannot be her anymore"
" but...love...Hate to break it to ya but you kinda are? " her usual smile was turning into confusion.
" you don't get it. Haven't you ever wanted to be. Like someone else ?"
She giggled slightly " I mean maybe "
I let tears flow freely while she massaged my scalp.
"It's okay, I mean. We all like you for who you are" she said clearly baffled.
" aw shit" she uttered.
" what?"
"Uhhhhhhh nothing. Nothing. " she squeaked. I could see her face looking anxious.
" I just. Uhm. I just need to. Uh. Here drink this. I'll be back" she pushed a bottle of whiskey at me, and scampered off.
That was weird...ugh whiskey. Taking a swig it actually tasted good. Or I'm drunk. Finally... ugh my scalp itches. Wait... why is my hair wet... fucking Lena.
I tried regaining balance as I stumbled to the mirror. Verdammet. Scheisse.
My voice screamed out " lenaaaaa" as my hair was turning a weird shade of orange.
The door opened and Genji was pushed inside by a fear stricken Lena.
" oh" said Genji, he walked over and began asking her a million questions that went over my head completely. Much like she did.
" rinse it out and I'll be back with something" he said as he headed for the door.
Lena started ripping off my dress and pushing me into the shower, my legs felt so weak. It was happening. My stupid hair.
" ooop come here" said Lena as she removed my leggings, then she pushed me back into the shower as I knelt down and she rinsed my hair under the bath facet.
" ange I'm really sorry" she mumbled. I watched as colors swirled in the drain. I'm not ready, her hands vigorously scrubbing, until the water ran clear.
She helped me out of the tub and I slid back into my leggings at least, she draped a towel over my shoulder and Genji popped back in carrying a bottle of something else. My eyes watery, I couldn't hold it back, fuck this fuck the fucking UN for disbanding us. Fuck fuck.
" Angela" said Genji softly as he crouched in front of me.
" Lena could you maybe give us a moment?" Asked Genji.
Lena shrugged and left the bathroom, as Genji pulled me into him as my head rested on his shoulder.
" you've spent too long as someone else, it's time you are you again" he said softly. The metal against my skin was cold for once and I slightly shivered. It's not like I hadn't been mostly naked around him before. Besides it's just a bra and leggings. He doesn't care and neither do I. But i feel strangely exposed.
" but what if I'm not ready?" I muttered.
" you have been ready for a long time, you just didn't know it. However it's natural to feel this way" he said.
" ugh. Here I am crying about my stupid nonsense. When you had an entire body rebuilt. And..." I sighed heavily and felt more tears falling.
" you cannot measure your pain on a scale of anyone else's... a wise doctor told me that once, now let me try to fix this" as he pulled away inspecting my hair.
" you won't be blonde blonde for a bit. But we can fix it so it's not orange" he said as he moved around mixing stuff into my hair. I took another sip of whiskey while sitting as still as I could. Lena popped back in.
" oh thank goodness" she mumbled.
" I found an extra dryer " she added as she handed one to Genji. They started drying my hair and gently brushing it.
Genji stepped back and lifted his mask for a moment shooting a smile.
" now ladies, what will we never do again?" He asked.
" uhhhh" said Lena kicking her own feet.
" never... try to fix hair when drunk" he said frustrated. "and you, stop doubting yourself" he scolded in my direction.
Lena handed me my dress and I slid it back over my head, tugging it back on before walking over to the mirror. An almost silver with platinum ends so close to my actual hair, but it looked better.
" we will be able to full lift the color soon. Unfortunately due to some mistakes I had to tone the orange down. And the only way to do that was to add the toner, which almost made your hair lavender... " said Genji.
A knock suddenly interrupted us.
" can I enter the room again or?" Came Jesse's voice.
" not a problem. All finished in here" said Lena as the door swung open.
Genji closed his face plate and darted out, and I followed almost knocking into Jack, I threw my arms around him and he responded the same way. His strong arms lifting me into the air and carrying me to the room and opening the door.
I started squirming and he gently placed my feet on the floor.
" I swear when Lena came running out I thought your hair was destroyed!"
" she probably did too" I said slightly smirking.
" Genji said a word I don't think I ever heard him say in the angriest voice to her though"
" well. He did try to warn us"
He laughed as he removed his mask, and slightly shook his head.
" you look beautiful" he cooed as he slid a hand around my waist pulling me into a kiss.
I got lost in it, his tongue gently dancing over mine as he pulled me over to the bed gently putting me on top of him before snuggling into me.
" but it's not the same" I sighed.
" no it's not but it's getting there , just like you are getting there with yourself. Try not to be so critical. I love you no matter how you look. Hell you could have green hair for all I care angel. You are the one I am in love with and have always been in love with " he whispered into my ear, my freshly dyed tendrils tickling my neck.
" but you were so mad at me"
" not about your hair. About your self doubt, God ange, I'm so sorry about earlier. Please don't let it get to you. I just want you safe" his arm stroked my sides. I want to cry but I have nothing left in me. Exhaustion began to take over. Everything that had happened and everything leading up to what happened weighing heavily on me. I cannot do that again, I need to be more aware and more careful.
"the thing is, working with bastion is helping me, a lot more than i thought it would. Except, he doesn't have the rage i had, he has more sadness, i knew omnics could feel emotions, but never like this... He just wants to protect us and i..." his voice slightly cracked and his nose nuzzled my neck.
" my love, you are doing the right things, you are taking the proper steps, you have made nothing but progress with yourself... i'm the true absolute mess" i sighed pressing my forehead into his, his lips met mine, tenderly kissing me as his hand stroked my neck.
" you went through a lot too, and i need to remember that. I cannot take back the years i was gone for, i cannot possibly make it up to you. i think i will always regret just not being there for you... now i'm back and you seem to still be unsure of all you have accomplished, Angel, you are brilliant, i thought i would hold you back, i thought you couldn't deal with the man I've become... i don't think I've ever felt good enough for you"
My heart was pounding with emotions, all different feelings surging at once.
"YOU?! do you have any idea of all you accomplished with overwatch? all the peace you promised me, and you brought that, you helped restore peace-"
" look at where we are today ange... an article trying to tarnish your name, the name you worked so hard to become-"
"THEY DID THAT TO YOU TOO!, they tore you down, god Jack... do you also not realize just how much you accomplished? you saved me Jack" now my voice was cracking.
" you saved yourself angel, i just helped guide you a bit...but after i was gone they were horrible to you, the news and everything, and i feel like it's all coming back, i feel like what you were trying to run from is all back and that i did this"
" How? before i knew you were alive again, well, before i completely knew if you were alive again i rejoined when the recall was issued, i made a choice to come back, just like you did, and things will probably always be horrible, until some sort of peace exists" i stated as i searched his face for a solid emotion, but his beautiful eyes looked so sadly into mine. He tried so hard to keep us all together, and one man took it all away.
He closed his eyes sighing and steadying his breathing, my hands gently touched his chest, as i felt an arm curl around me, pulling me against his chest and stroking my hair.
Maybe i was just so incredibly tired, and lonely... maybe i just came back because it was the only time i ever felt like i truly belonged somewhere.
A/N: There it is, i know a lot of you have been asking about her hair, and here it is, i figure in 2080, or around that time, they would be able to at least have some better color-stripping products available, so i mean, it's almost there, but not quite, but i didn't just want to fully switch it just yet, because going from dyed black to platinum wouldn't be overnight. Here i am bringing weird modern logic into future tech. Ha. Anyways, sorry if some of this seems redundant i just feel that there is a lot mentally going on with Angela as well, and i hope this chapter works for all of you.
Thank you so much for all the kind messages and tips. You all are so inspiring to me.