" I'm sure this is just a formality" Jack said as he patted my hand.
Ana entered the room and looked at our tired group.
" I wanted to apologize for not telling any of you the truth, I know you are owed more than that but i fear saying more will just make it worse... but I will add that I only did what was right. Otherwise we'd be in different positions right now, still hiding underground. This is the better option and I do apologize for any grief I may have caused" she said with a sincerity that I don't doubt is there.
She just hurt a lot of us with this trust betrayal.
" you did what you felt was right—- I just wish you told us" Jack states.
" I know, but it wouldn't have worked that way. You know it. You would have never willingly returned—"
" That isn't fair Ana, don't mess up your apology with insults" Genji said quickly trying to stop her from making anything worse.
" correct. I do hope to hear from you in the future. I'm sorry if I deceived you" Ana says before pausing at the door, her shoulders fell and she tried to straighten them again before leaving but they weren't up to her normal standard.
The door made a smacking noise as it closed behind her. Jack had his fingers rubbing his temples.
" Well, that was something" Lena said.
I rubbed Jack's arm and leaned my head on his shoulder, his heart rate was pounding.
" It's fine, it's over, we don't have to associate with her anymore" I whispered.
" Angela. She is our friend" he said as his jaw clenched for a moment.
" did you want to talk to her some more later then?" I tried to ask as gently as possible.
" the only thing I want right now is to be released from here" He growled.
" soon" Winston said with an encouraging smile.
He was quietly watching the coverage on the news with Zenyatta and Torbjorn.
" Whatever you want to do, I will do it" I whispered to him.
" angel, I'm fine... just rattled. Don't worry about me" he whispered back before kissing my forehead.
" I don't know how to live normally" Lena said.
" yeah during those few weeks we just hid out in an old deadlock hiding spot. Abandoned for years. Hung out, went to the local bar a few times for pick ups. But ' normal' living just isn't right for this cowboy" Jesse says.
" I hear ya— Hanzo and I dunno what to do either" Junkrat said as he fidgeted with his arm.
" I'm sure we will come up with a feasible option" Hanzo said.
" You are all welcome to stay with us anytime you need a safe place" Zenyatta said.
Well, that was triggering—- safe for John, not anyone else.
" Well, mostly safe" Genji said.
" This isn't the all clear, Talon is still out there— we've just exposed their leaders and those helping them on the inside" Jack says.
" so what are you saying?" Hanzo replied.
" I'm pretty sure we are all out of this shit at this point—- I can't see why we'd be reinstated. I'm just telling you that your plans better involve watching your backs" Jack states.
" yes sir" Lena says with a mock salute that makes Jack roll his eyes.
" We just wanted the world to be safer" Winston says.
" did we?" Jack asks.
" I thought so" Lena says as a few others shake their heads in unison. Junkrat and Hanzo don't have much of a reaction.
" Good, I'm not stopping anyone if they want you, but I'm just incredibly tired" Jack says.
" but—" Lena started then stopped herself as she sat back in her chair.
So that's it— we are out if offered. Well Jack is out.
I still want to be a doctor— but not that kind anymore. He held my hand as some other conversations started back up again.
Lena really looked hurt but tried to hide it with her back slightly turned to us as she talked with Jesse.
I don't want to speak and neither does Jack, we just sit back and hold hands not focusing just existing.
" any minute now" Winston says as he shakes his phone.
Now my nerves are all over the place, the door is knocked on and in entered Sojourn looking less disgruntled.
" come on" she says as she pushes the door fully open to let us into the hallway.
We slowly file out, Lena is jittery but has a huge smile on her face the entire time.
I watched Genji re-adjust his visor and briefly saw his anxious expression under the mask.
Jack let go of my hand once we entered the courtroom and filed into our seats where he took grip of it again.
One by one each corrupt member got the verdict of " guilty". I could hear Jack's relieved sigh as he looked over at me and smiled.
Sentenced to jail for the majority of them, Reyes however isn't mentioned or anywhere to be seen. Not that he's included with that group or anything.
I just don't understand how it all works but seeing the relief on Jack's face was all I needed.
The gavel banged and it was over faster than I realized. Sojourn immediately came over to us.
" The judge needs you to look through these and sign them as well" she said as she handed out stacks of paper to each of us.
" what is this shit?" Jack says.
" the deal you agreed too, well most of it anyways" she insists.
" we are not serving any more time—" Jack started to argue but she motioned to calm down and quickly said.
" It's not like you will be returning unless you choose too! But in some capacity you still have some duties that must be done" she says as she flips through the document he's holding.
" so I'm supposed to advise people again?" Jack says.
" when needed, unless—- you want to be a commander again?" She asks.
Jack's brows aren't scrunched and he nearly replies but I tug on his arm.
" what?" He nearly snapped.
" beruhigen!" ( calm down) I said softly. His face immediately stopped with the scowl as he looked at me.
" I'm sorry" he then turned to Sojourn " when are these needed by?" He asked.
" Your agreement to the charges being dropped in exchange for occasional help is needed today, your job in some capacity back, that we can give you a few days on" she says.
" oh come on! Don't ya want to be our commander?" Lena asked.
"Our? Pumpkin, I want out..." Jesse said as Lena's face dropped.
" you can't be serious!" She yelled at him, causing a few stragglers to look around.
" hey, why don't you all discuss this back in the meeting room. Have some coffee and sign some forms. Have marital arguments. Whatever" Sojourn says as she motions for us to go to the room.
We oblige but Lena is nearly screaming at Jesse. He seems set in his ways and she seems firmly rooted in hers.
" I am sorry if I behaved like that" Jack whispers.
" don't worry" I soothed.
He shot me a smile and squeezed my hand. We entered the room and sat in the chairs, Jesse and Lena on opposite sides of the table.
" not to be a bother but you are welcome with us" Hanzo says to Jesse.
" That'll do" Jesse replies.
Lena is in tears and avoiding eye contact with him, instead she's being calmed down by Winston. We all knew his answer, he loves this he loves his job. He's good at his job and can still find room to grow. Jack and I are just—- worn out.
" so we have to sign these, I'll look through yours to make sure that it's good for you— is it alright if we don't decide on the other portion for a few days?" He asked. I already knew his answer would be 'No'. He's done, he wants to raise John.
I nodded and he kissed my cheek, his large signature on the papers before he looked over mine. I could see his brows furrow as he read.
" what?" I asked.
He looked over at me and back down at the papers. He nearly crumpled them in his hands before putting them back down onto the table and walking away for a minute.
I glanced back down at them, nothing seemed too unusual until I read the pages about Reyes. My stomach tightened when I said his name and Torbjorn was trying to get Jack to say what was wrong.
" They want her to remain as his personal doctor, since she made him it's her duty to keep him alive until his execution" Jack nearly yells.
I feel sick.
All this time wanting him to suffer—-
" well that isn't fair to her!" Winston growled.
A complete overload of chaos erupted in the room.
Sojourn actually returned to tell us to shut up. But Jack nearly screamed in her face about this. Once she yelled at us to shut up again. She took a seat and waited for the room to quiet down.
" there is so much evidence against her and what she did, to him physically and medically. That we need her to stay on and keep him alive" sojourn said.
" if he's going to be executed then why bother?!" Torbjorn asked.
" It's the humane thing to do" Sojourn says.
" The humane thing would be to not kill a man who was brainwashed" I said.
The room went silent.
" oh great. On top of everything else now you are making her feel conflicted" Hanzo said.
" I'm not conflicted. I created him through accident. But he, like amelie, was brainwashed. If I'm not paying for my—"
" Angela, your body count is nothing compared to his. He enjoyed killing" Sojourn says.
" you saw the tapes you—" I tried.
" You were being tortured" Sojourn says.
" and so was he! Or so it seems..." I let out a low growling sigh.
"doesn't get a trial?" I asked.
" he waved that" Sojourn states.
I rested my head in my hands while everyone was arguing around me, talking at me, or just being loud in general. I can't focus or think, this is the most conflicted I've felt in a long time. It's always something... and now who the hell knows what plans Jack had that will now be ruined because I am needed. Jack actually got up and talked to her privately for a minute while people are still trying to talk to me. I can't focus, it's too much. It's too much on top of too much. It's almost like a gross joke, a complete botched plan that —-
" angel" broke through the noise and I looked at Jack, his sad eyes looking at me.
" we need to talk about this in depth in private but, what are your immediate thoughts?" He asked.
" You know how I feel" I replied and he nodded, I think somehow everyone thought that because I've been through hell and back that my views on punishment would change.
" I had a feeling— let's just. Take a few days— you are allowed to be a doctor from afar. There are people who can treat him and all of that. You are just in charge of any surgery, medication and—"
" I understand" I replied.
He nodded and asked if that was okay and I nodded back.
He pushed one document at me and I signed it and handed it over to him to give to Sojourn. I don't feel like standing until we leave. My legs and body feel wobbly.
" so that's it then" Lena says to Jesse across the table.
" yeah—- sorry pumpkin" Jesse says with an affectionate tone. Lena bites her lip and nods at him, she turns back to Winston and Torbjorn.
All the little groups breaking off, I just want to cry but I knew this would eventually happen at some point.
The entire room was full of their voices, their emotions. We've fought so long and so hard for this, and instead of celebrating this feels like defeat.
" You are all free to go" Sojourn says as she goes through the paperwork.
" not to be a bother but how do we get back to our vehicles?" Winston said.
" right—- I'll give you all a lift—- give me ten" she says as she packs away the documents and leaves.
" hey darl— I dunno what you are planning on doin' but if you need anything you know how" Junkrat said as he plopped in the chair formerly used by Lena before the breakup.
" I know, I think I'll stick to it well. What I know" I said.
" experimental wasteland medicine not in your future?" He asked with a cheeky grin.
" I don't think so" I replied as Jack sat back down next to me.
" real shame" Junkrat said as he yawned.
" I think the world could do with less of my science" I softly said.
Jack rubbed my arm, I know he has nothing to say, and he knows nothing would actually make me feel better. I just need to sulk, probably drink and sleep.
Sojourn came for us sooner than expected, we said goodbye to the meeting room and hopped into the transport.
The ride was emotional to say the least. Jack worked out with us going with Torbjorn, Junkrat, Hanzo , Zenyatta and Jesse are headed to Japan for a while. Winston and Lena are going with Sojourn. Brigitte is staying with Ana and Farrah—- or that's what Torbjorn told us anyways.
" or would you rather go to the farm?" Jack asked.
" that might be better—- apparently it's my pattern though. Huge horrible trial— followed by sobbing at your parents house" I said sarcastically.
" it's up to you— we have limited time to make a decision" Jack said.
" yeah"
" and it's important that you are comfortable when making the decision"
" I understand, but you also have a decision to make" I said.
" I'm not going back Angela. I can't" Jack says firmly.
" Just choose where we should go— I don't care" I said as I looked out the tinted window.
I want to see my son, but I'm in a horrible headspace and what if I get upset? What if something happens with Reyes and I have to run off again and again and again.
" do you want this time to work on things or other things?" He asked, trying to be vague.
" is it bad that I can't decide if I'm ready?" I asked quietly. I'm so ashamed.
" don't worry about it, try to think how you would feel in either scenario"
" but do you trust me around—"
" of course I do" he cut me off and lightly rubbed my hand.
" Well then, if you trust me, then that is the best option" I said.
He nodded and smiled before pulling me slightly closer to him.
Sojourn pulled up to the building we had been staying at, all the vehicles tucked away still.
" I know it's going to be weird heading back to 'reality'. Try not to speak to the press too much. And those of you who aren't immediately joining—- I'll need the forms by the end of the week" Sojourn announced as we were scrambling to gather our things.
Everyone began exiting the vehicle once assembled.
" well—- I guess I will see you when we see you!" Winston said as he hugged Jack and I in one swoop.
" I do hope you decide to join us!" Winston added with an extra squeeze.
" Yeah well... keep in touch" Jack said. I felt tearful but no tears fell even as Lena gave me a long hug before she disappeared back into the car. Winston stuck around saying goodbye to everyone.
I hugged Hanzo and Jesse. Junkrat was a difficult goodbye, which surprised me. My throat felt like a lump was in it, but I'm glad he's with the rest of the boys.
Zenyatta was sweet when he said goodbye but Genji was difficult.
" I understand your concerns— and if it was me, I would try to do more. But I know you have been through enough. My own brother tried to kill me— and he wasn't chemically and medically brainwashed" he said, and the words dug into my psyche. I don't want to focus on that. I want to focus on seeing my son.
" I know" I simply replied as I hugged him.
" I know you will make the right decision" he said as he patted my back.
Jack gave him a half hug, I know he heard... and that was that. Jack helped me to my seat as I said a quick goodbye to Sojourn.
Jack spoke to her for a bit longer, he looked exasperated as they animatedly talked.
Torbjorn was restless in the driver's seat and lit a pipe while waiting. The woodsy scent permeating my nostrils as I got more comfortable. Jack entered the vehicle and sat next to me in the back. I could see from his expression he was frustrated.
" always good news" Torbjorn jokes.
We watched as the other cars pulled out before us, doing a long little convoy until eventually everyone turned off on separate roads.
A pang of sadness swooped into my stomach, night was already falling so I was able to turn my face to the window so nobody could see the tears that ran down my cheeks as I quickly swept them away.
Jack and Torbjorn were chatting about anything trivial that they could think of. They were trying to keep everything light hearted but I feel nauseated.
—
" Angel, time to wake up, we have to switch to a little orca now" said Jack as he gently woke me up.
I sat up and was lifted out by him as he carried me into the small ship.
" where did you get this?" I asked.
" it's mine, I had to get here somehow!" Torbjorn said.
" I figured you flew" I said.
" yeh on my own" he replied with a grin.
Jack was finishing up sweeping for any trackers.
" I don't see what the big deal is now—-"
" we could still be followed by people who want-"
" I'm not tryin' teh tell you howta live yer life, but calm down. Enjoy the ride and soon we will be at my house" Torbjorn says.
Jack looked disgruntled but closed the doors so we could take off.
" Now, you sure you want to come to my house right away!? Don't want a newlywed getaway" he asked.
" It was just a formality" Jack said.
" oh right— so you two have no romantic endeavors. Just wanted to watch each other's backs and have a kid" Torbjorn said with a laugh.
" that's not what I meant. Once we have an actual wedding—- then yes. But for right now, we've been gone long enough. We cannot thank you enough and I promise it will just be for the night, then I'll get my own ship, and we will be out of your way" Jack says.
" oh that's a shame" Torbjorn replied as he looked over at Jack.
" did you need something?" He asked.
" naw, just Ingrid's quite fond of the little one. All we have are grandkids now and — but he's your son, so it's fine of course" Torbjorn states as he tries to think of something else to say.
" Thank you, we will visit" Jack says.
" you better!" Torbjorn replies.
I can see the snowy mountains in the distance, I cannot believe how short of a journey this was. But we still have another hour or so. But the snow and thinking about John started to give me palpitations.
I twisted the ring around my finger as I tried to collect my thoughts.
' worried you might get upset? Worried you won't be able to fix him?'
Oh not this shit again. I leaned my head back as I counted backwards from one hundred. I tried focusing on the conversation upfront.
I even tried thinking about food, any and all food. I'm starving but so nauseated. My fingers dug into my temples as I leaned forward to try and balance out the nausea.
When that didn't work I brought my knees to my stomach, the boots nearly cutting the fabric so I dropped them immediately causing Jack to glance back to see the issue.
" I forgot I was wearing heels" I said, thankful that no damage was done.
" are you okay with this? Do you need time?" Jack asked.
" I'm fine" I replied dismissively.
" you better be—- almost there! Ingrid is preparing lunch so—"
" is it already the afternoon?" I asked.
" time zones and you slept a lot" Torbjorn replies.
" oh" I said as I snuggled back into the chair.
Jack offered me an encouraging look and reached his hand back for mine. I held it tightly in mine.
After a few minutes we had landed. Down in a cave, I can't say if I remember ever parking down here but Jack seems unphased.
The doors popped open and Jack and Torbjorn made quick work of collecting the gear. My wings were thrown over Jack's shoulder with the bags.
He leaned over to kiss me before storing the things away further down the tunnel.
I unbuckled myself and stepped out slowly, I don't want to alter my mind to see my kid but I am freaking out. What if he doesn't want to see me? What if he thinks I abandoned him?
I never felt that way, I just always felt in the way. Like I was useless most days, I tried to become something.
I just can't seem to control my anxiety.
" angel... can I get you anything?" Asked Jack.
" I got just the stuff" Torbjorn said as he lit up his pipe and inhaled.
" this knocked ya out earlier, so here ya go" he said with a laugh as he handed it to me.
Jack nodded in agreement as I inhaled the woodsy scented plant. I handed it back to Torbjorn and exhaled. Jack shot me a smile as I walked cautiously up to him.
I medicated him earlier but I could still see his nerves. Maybe it's about me—-
" are you worried about me doing something?" I asked.
His brow furrows immediately.
" no!"
" then what is it?"
" you are upset, I worry about you. But! I also wasn't the best to him while you were—- gone" he said.
" I doubt he would—"
" angel, I ignored him. I never hung around him. It was painful just to look at him. I know how you felt when you made your original choice. I get it" he said.
I nodded and squeezed his hand.
" so if anything goes wrong it's on me this time. Not you. Not that it's ever been on you" he tried to explain himself but I leaned up to kiss him.
Torbjorn was still ahead of us nearing the caves exit. But we paused for a moment. His hand resting on the small of my back as he pulled me closer and kissed me deeper.
Eventually we came up for air, he smiled then kissed my forehead.
"How am I faster than you?" Torbjorn asked.
We both let out a laugh as we hurried to catch up.
" be careful! Fresh snow and all" Torbjorn said as I pulled on Jack's arm and he let out a soft " oh shit" as I yanked him into the fresh powder and made an angel.
" you are not wearing the correct winter gear angel! You are going to freeze!" Jack exclaimed as I smiled at him.
Eventually he gave in and made one too before lifting me out of mine. He helped dust me off as Torbjorn just laughed and shook his head.
I love the snow and that was providing a happy buffer for me to frolic in.
But the closer we got to the house the more my nerves began to twist.
" Any minute now" Torbjorn said as he exhaled and bounded through the snow.
You could smell the smoke coming from the chimney, the crunching of the snow beneath our feet, Jack leaned over and dusted some freshly fallen flakes off my shoulders.
I was lost in his smile for a moment when Torbjorn shouted " there he is".
We barely had time to react, John was latched onto our legs within moments.
" you did it!" He shouted happily as he yanked on our legs.
" did what?" I asked.
" dad said he'd bring you home!" He said excitedly as he jumped around us before flopping into the snow and giggling.
His little cheeks were bright red from the excitement and cold.
" You are just like her" Jack said with a laugh.
" whatever would make you say that!" I asked him as I took his hand and ran around him in a circle before trying to pull him down with me.
Jack held onto my arm so I was barely suspended above the snow at an angle hovering next to John's giggling body.
He reached up and pulled on my arm, and Jack pretended to be pulled down by force. All three of us in the snow together.
" oh now we can't do it!" I exclaimed.
" do what?" Asked John.
" make snow angels" I said with an exaggerated sigh.
Jack started to laugh and pushed me back down into the snow.
" I think we still can" he said as he began piling snow around my outline.
" oh no!" I said with a laugh as Torbjorn and John joined in.
" Maybe not snow angels—- but a snow Angel" Jack said with laughter. His blue eyes are striking against the white sky with falling snow.
" very funny— you think this is funny John?" I asked as he giggled and began to pile snow on me.
" yes" he giggled harder and I leaned up and tossed some snow at Jack.
" Oh you don't want to start with me" Jack said as he shrugged off the back pack.
A camera flash washed over us and Ingrid was standing there with a huge smile on her beautiful and kind face.
" I made lunch! And we don't want Angela turning into a popsicle, she is hardly wearing anything snow friendly" she said with a melodic laugh.
" you are right... let's get the angel into something warmer" Jack said as he helped pull me up. Then we both helped John up as he held our hands.
Jack grabbed the gear he dropped and we followed Ingrid inside.
A familiar series of whirs and beeping greeted us when we got in.
Hiding shyly behind the door was bastion.
I had already taken off my wet boots and went to hug my friend, who didn't seem to fully understand but was happy.
" I didn't know you were here!" Jack said as he greeted his friend.
" Yeah well—- scrap piles grow on ya after awhile " Torbjorn said with a sniff.
" uhhuh" Jack replies.
John was taking off his snow gear and looking at both of us as if we weren't real.
" oh if you want to change you two are in— well Jack knows what room" Ingrid said as she turned back to the stove.
" thank you" I said to her, she turned and gave me a smile before turning back to the oven.
" want to help us unpack?" Jack asked John. Who nodded in full agreement.
We walked back to the room with John leading the way. On the bed was a tablet paused on an old video of Jack and I. My heart dropped. But his little clothes and things were put away neatly. Jack dug in the suitcase for a clean set of clothes for me.
John nearly threw a fit and I left his sights to change. All the clothes given to us from Sojourn had a warmer climate. So I just stuck to yoga pants and a tshirt. Jack left for a minute to change into black pants and a black shirt. I sat with John on the bed while he showed me the video.
" I watched this every day!" John said. It was just me speaking about peace or something, with Jack smiling in the background.
" you did!?" I said as I looked at him. He really was growing up. I love the shaggy hair he has, he lets me ruffle it before gently combing it with my fingers.
His little arms wrapped around me in a hug as Jack returned.
" Hey kid, go wash your hands, it's time to eat" Jack said.
" Mommy come wash your hands too" John said.
" alright darling" I replied as I followed him into the bathroom. He hardly needed the beautifully carved step stool that was for Torbjorn other people. We washed our hands together with the vanilla soap. John just kept staring at me.
All through lunch he just watched me and wiggled between Jack and I.
Ingrid was very attentive to him but she's raised so many children. It makes me feel more at ease knowing he was so loved here.
I went to help Ingrid with the dishes while she whispered to me that it's john's chore. So I returned to my seat and watched as John helped rinse and load up the dishwasher.
" Well that's helpful" Jack said softly to me. I gently nudged his ribs and he swatted my elbow away.
Normally I was stuck with dishes if Jack cooked, Jack always cooked.
" Where are you three headed?" Asked Torbjorn. John nearly dropped a plate and turned to us with his big watery blue eyes.
Torbjorn immediately realized his error.
" well, uhm. John would you like to meet your grandparents?" Jack asked quickly, trying to dissuade the situation.
" my what?" He asked.
" my parents, would you like to meet my parents?" Jack asked. Ingrid was staring at Torbjorn who looked back at her knowingly.
" but we could come back here?" He asked.
" Well yeah to visit" Jack said clearly struggling.
" okay" John said before returning back to the dishes.
It started to feel awkward, you could tell Ingrid was emotional about this decision, but he is our son. But we haven't been much of parents to him.
" don't overthink it" Jack says softly to me.
" I'm trying not too" I replied.
" I'm too excited for a nap today" John said to Ingrid as he put the last dish into the washer.
" then earlier bedtime" she replied.
" but—"
" absolutely no buts" Ingrid answered as she turned the switch and joined us at the table.
" fine" John said with a sigh.
He wanted Jack to look at something for him so I was left with Ingrid and Torbjorn. I could have followed but I didn't want to hover so I sat in the nearly awkward silence.
Until the door closed and Ingrid looked at me with her concerned eyes.
" you are really taking him from us tomorrow?" She asked.
" That's the plan, we can change it if it doesn't work for you" I said.
She waved her hand dismissively and said " he's your son, I'm just worried about him"
" worried how? " I asked.
" besides his emotional state, you do know he's very different right?" She said.
" medically? Yes" I said.
" Right, I've been taking notes as Jack, which I believe I owe a congratulations by the way. But I kept track of his injuries for you" she said as she went over to a drawer and unlocked it with a small silver key, pulling out a notebook, I noticed a few weapons scattered in the drawer as well.
" this is yours" she said as she handed it over to me.
I saw my notes scrawled through the majority of it, but then saw Jack's and my chest hurt and my eyes welled up. I know his handwriting and I know his distressed writing. Then I saw ingrid's clean and neat writing and some of brigittes bold and neat writing.
" thank you" I said as I hugged it for a moment.
" he's been no problem. Besides well the emotional stuff. But he's a kid. " she said.
" what's been going on?" I asked.
" he's just struggling, he's a kid who has been through a lot, I'm not blaming either of you. You did what you could. But he's wonderful, but has a lot of anxiety, separation anxiety. I'm worried about him adjusting, " she says.
" adjusting to?"
" if you two go back to—" she started.
" I'm pretty sure Jack has made up his mind not to return" I said.
" that is shocking"
" I know" I replied as I rested my head on my hand.
" I hope I didn't upset you— I know you have been through a lot" she said as she reached out to pat my hand. Torbjorn tried to offer a smile but I still feel like shit.
" it's nothing I didn't already know, don't worry about telling me the truth. I'm not sure I'm mother material anyways" I said as I forced a smile.
" it takes time" she said.
" ya know what. I don't think this conversation is much for me. So I'm gonna—" Torbjorn started to say but Ingrid shoots him a stare.
" alright I'll go clean up the garage then" he says and she smiles at him.
Once he left she got up and sat next to me almost immediately.
" I do want to apologize again, I just want you two to be prepared for what you are getting yourselves into.
" I do appreciate that, again and again I cannot thank you enough for stepping in for him, I don't know how to say it enough" I said as tears sting in my eyes. Her arms embraced me.
We sat there comfortably for a few minutes, before she let me go and we just sat there sipping coffee and watching the snow fall.
" I always wondered how my parents justified it, leaving constantly. The guilt I carry over that thought keeps my mind in tatters. I understand now and I don't want to be that way, I just don't know how to parent" I said.
" nobody does until they have a kid, you are still learning. Give it time. He's a good kid, just stick to his schedule for the most part and the adjustment will be easier" she tried to reassure me.
But I don't feel reassured, even when John runs down the hallway and into my arms, sitting on my lap. He's gotten so big, he's holding me tightly as Jack emerges from the hallway as well.
" well! I have to go make sure my husband isn't making anymore turrets when he should be cleaning" Ingrid chirps as she leaves us to go to the garage.
" what did you two do!" I asked John.
" I showed him something and my toys, because I know you don't like toys" John said.
" I never said I don't like toys, I'm just not good at playing" I said.
" that's okay" John says as he wiggles off my lap and pulls me towards the door.
" wait a minute—- you need your boots and coat and things" I said as I pulled him back, his above normal strength for a five year old was still no match for me now.
He began to put on his winter clothes and Jack took his coat off the rack for me.
" but what will you wear?" I asked.
" I can handle the cold for a bit " he said as he kissed my cheek.
I put on my boots and we were ready to go into the snow, it was still falling and swirling around us.
So we just walked around the house a few times every so often tossing a snowball at one another.
John isn't talking as much but he's giggling a lot and smiling. And when we head back in he's quick to change and wash up for dinner.
I tried helping Ingrid prepare it but once again she banished me to the couch. I sat with a tired John. Jack eventually came out of the garage with Torbjorn. At some point he went in there to discuss travel plans, I'm just along for the ride right now. I don't know what I'm doing but I'm following along with him.
It feels normal and slightly awkward but comfortable. The last time I was here with jack Seems like ages ago. He never liked leaving me alone on holidays. So instead of going home he would go wherever I was invited and of course other overwatch members as well. We'd sneak kisses and cuddles. Sharing inside jokes and sneak into each other's rooms.
Now we have a son, and are heading to Jack's family. I'm relieved we didn't go directly after the trial. It would have been too eerily similar. I'm worried but not terrified about seeing his parents again, and introducing their grandson that they have no idea exists will be even better.
Ingrid has prepared a beautiful meal, and we all sit down and enjoy it, mostly speaking of lighthearted things, talking about various things John has recently gotten into. It's soothing, it's almost natural.
Ingrid whispered that is nearing johns bedtime , so Jack helped him get ready for bed while I was finally allowed to help Ingrid with the dishes. I enjoyed the monotony of it.
John came chatting out in his little pajamas with turtles all over them hugging my knees as I put another plate in the washer.
" he wants us to read to him" Jack said.
" go ahead " Ingrid says with a smile.
John took my hand and skipped down the hallway pulling me along into the bedroom. Jack flopped onto the bed with John and I perched myself on the edge. John crawled into the middle of the bed where two large pillows were on each side of him.
" I won't need these tonight" he says excitedly.
" you do for now, we aren't ready for bed yet" jack said.
" well hurry up" John replied and jack laughed.
" doesn't work like that bud, what story do you want?" Jack asked.
" I want the one of you saving mommy" John said.
" I didn't— your mother saved herself, I just helped" Jack said.
John's blue eyes blinked a few times and he looked at Jack with a bit of annoyance.
" I want that story" he whined.
" when you are older— how about " Jack was browsing titles.
" tell me the story!" John was demanding and Jack looked at me and I shrugged.
I don't know what to do... he might have a better idea.
" John, either you pick one of these or you won't get a story at all" Jack said firmly.
" none!" John whined as he kicked his legs and yanked the covers over his head.
" alright my darling, I love you, sleep tight" I said to him as I kissed the blanket where his head is.
" goodnight kid, I love you" Jack said. As John wiggles under the sheets.
We slowly crept out of the room and turned off the lights, leaving in the small nightlight. But he screamed when the door closed.
" what?" Jack asked him.
" don't go!" He yelled.
" we are just going to the fireplace, we aren't leaving without you" Jack reassured him.
John burst into tears and Ingrid pulled us from the doorway and shook her head while motioning sleeping hands.
We slowly walked away and Jack lightly closed the door.
" he gets incredibly fussy at bedtime. It's easier to let him cry it out" she insisted.
" thank you" Jack said and she nodded.
" but if I can offer some advice?" She said after mulling it over.
Jack and I walked to the couch with her as she sat in the large chair and motions for us to sit as well.
" of course" I replied.
" I have his schooling detailed out, I know you will probably have notes and editing to do on that, but he's very smart for his age, despite everything— not like that. He's an intelligent child but still a child even if he doesn't seem that way all the time. But he has a ton of love to give. But I— I'm second guessing myself but I am sad to see him go, and I'm worried about the constant up and travel, I think stability is the best route for him" she looked conflicted.
" I'm not planning on going anywhere more than one every other month for whatever this ridiculous deal they are trying to make with us, but Angela and I haven't had a moment to talk about it much yet. That's why visiting my parents at the farm seems like the best option at the moment" Jack says.
" I don't disagree with you. I'm just begging you to give the kid some stability" she said.
" that's the plan" Jack says again with more reassurance this time.
" good, thank you. I will be giving all my other notes on him and his daily schedule as well as chores" her smile as she spoke was genuine. She speaks from a place of love and I'm happy that Jack ended up here with our son, all the circumstances surrounding—- that— and this truly seemed like the best option.
We had a round of small talk for the evening, Ingrid eventually excusing herself for bed. Bastion was keeping a lookout, apparently that helps him feel useful. Torbjorn went to bed as well, leaving Jack and I on the cozy couch in front of the slowly diminishing fire.
The only time I can look at fire without panicking too much is here. His hand was stroking my side as I leaned against him.
" oh memories" Jack mused as I felt my cheeks burn red.
His lips brushed my forehead and he gently tugged at me to move closer. I moved to his lap, letting my head rest in the crook of his neck.
" do you think we are doing the right thing?" He whispered.
" you are, but I'm still conflicted" I replied.
" we don't have to go to the farm we can get a cabin somewhere— disappear" he muses softly, pausing to kiss my forehead again.
" it's not that. It's me— I don't know what I'm doing" I said sighing. I could feel his posture change, almost immediately.
" Angela, you aren't seriously thinking of rejoining?" He said.
" I don't want too. But— I still have so much work to do"
" then join a lab, be a crazy scientist in a tower I will build for you" Jack said with a laugh.
" I don't want a tower I want— oh. But I, I need you and John but I need to be able to do something. I feel useless!" I said.
" angel, how could you be—"
" don't! I know I just got out. I know it's just, I cannot handle not doing something with the nanotechnology, I cannot not help people" I said softly.
" Angela, you need a break and you need to focus on you. And I'm not talking about me and John wnd I'm not being selfish, I want you to have time to be allowed to think over things, more than the timeline they want" Jack said.
" you are probably right" I sighed.
" I'm going to give myself credit and say that I am completely right. You need an actual break, not running from place to place. An actual break" he whispered while brushing my hair out of my eyes, he kissed my forehead again before resting his cheek against it. I love the warmth he gives off, we've been together so long and he still makes me blush constantly.
" I managed to get us our own little flyer, so we should probably get to bed"
" where— how?" I asked.
" Torbjorn has a friend that is selling, so it just worked out. He's bringing it by tomorrow afternoon so we can get out, he won't see us. Not that it matters but I personally don't want johns image getting around yet" he says as he helps me off the couch, his muscles twitch slightly as he lifts me up into the air.
I curled into his arms as he carries me into the room we are sharing with John, gently placing me down and I moved the body pillow and John latched onto me immediately. I guess I'm stuck in these clothes for the night.
Jack pulls the blanket over me and kissed my lips so softly I barely felt it, I watched him switch to sweatpants before climbing into the opposite side of the bed, the soft glow of the nightlight shining on his smooth skin. John's tight hold and warm breath on my arm helped with falling asleep faster.
A/N: Seriously Thank you to my lovely readers, reviewers and followers! : Kirabeta,Chaosdynasty, ayumiiishinozakiii, Trokxy, jfm76, TheMdogs, dragontear365, robot584, CyborgNinja777 and L0rdOfThEMemes