Angela's POV:
I woke up before him somehow, my arm wasn't as sore as it had been. My head was still fuzzy as I rolled over and bumped into his phone that was perched on the ledge. Charging, but the screen lit up.
Little forest houses on the screen and I can't help but smile. He accommodates me so frequently. I saw his eyes fluttering open, sleepily gazing at me and smiling.
" you were really looking at houses around here?" I whispered.
" yeah" he replied, " I need a kitchen" he added with a yawn.
" sounds like a good enough reason to rent a house" I whispered back snuggling against him as he grabbed his phone and proceeded to show me a few.
" Are you sure about this?" I asked.
" I want a kitchen and I want my wife to be happy, and my son to have a yard... maybe a dog"
I smiled to myself, but I know he felt it on his bare chest. The muscle movement would register as my cheek moved to the smile. He responded by kissing the back of my head while he scrolled and showed me some very cute places to live.
" You get to decide" I said to him.
" I wanted to—"
" It's better for you to choose your kitchen and yard, I just need a tub" I said as he rubbed my shoulder with his free hand.
" If you don't mind, I'll give my input but I have no objections to anything you want because your taste is impeccable when it comes to houses or apartments" I said.
I loved the place he picked out for us back when we needed a place to just be free. The kitchen was small but suited all the things he needed, the tub was big enough for two, despite it being basically a studio, that was such a wonder. I would lay in there for hours, topping off with warm water and letting my body prune while I relaxed, he would join me frequently. Just lounging, followed by whatever we needed. It was perfect for us, but now we have a family and we need the space, we need him to be able to spread out and play. Not have to exist building after building.
John woke me out of the daydream with his bubbly 'good morning'. His cheeks had more color, his eyes a brighter blue. So far he seems fine, I did have a monitor on him, and everything was registering at normal. So I'd need to run the next batch of tests to see if anything improved. I know I've declined in my healing, which I had worked so hard on.
We got up and ate, I drew a tiny bit of blood and headed off to check it in the lab. Spending my morning there alone, until Jack joined me before Reyes was brought in. I had returned to looking normal physically, so nothing for Reyes to comment on. He woke up after a half hour when I was running his medication tubes into him. At first he was quiet, only replying that he felt like shit, but not as bad as the day before. He barely looked at Jack, his eye was always locked on me as I worked around the room, trying to find the proper combination. I had figured out a few new things thanks to the messed up caduceus. I have worked out so many different theories and slowly eliminated each one it seems, except two. Of course it's the hardest one to figure out, but considering it's taken me years to figure out anything close to this, is—- honestly exhilarating.
—
We continued this same schedule for days, Jack was getting restless. We weren't supposed to be here for this long, but I feel like I have a lead. So I keep working, Jack keeps looking at places to live, I know he is conflicted. But it's something for him to do, and it makes me feel calmer knowing he had something good to distract himself with. I've heard him give advice to Sojourn and go back and forth on ideas and strategies, as he promised. She's fully capable, but having someone to bounce ideas off of is helpful, and it helps keep all plans in perspective. Reyes seemed to improve and so did John. I'm pleased enough to visit a little cottage with Jack and John. It's the one Jack has been mulling over the longest. It's very cute in person, there is a large fireplace, an open kitchen, a high ceiling with a loft. John is utterly fascinated by everything. The fenced yard and that has a gate leading to some woods, no nearby neighbors.
There was a bedroom upstairs with the little loft, downstairs was a bedroom with a large tub. I smiled when I saw it, John was already inspecting the upstairs and claiming it as his fort.
" well?" Jack asked.
" I think you picked the perfect one" I replied.
" awwww that's how I feel everyday I wake up with you" he replied as he scooped me up.
" you are ridiculous" I responded before kissing his cheek.
" where is my room?" John asked.
" uh—- which one did you want?" Jack asked as he set me down.
John squirmed around while he tried to think, before pointing upstairs.
" Good choice" Jack said. I could tell he was relieved about that, just the simplest thing of picking his own room and we didn't have to try and convince him to take it.
Jack has been trying to explain to him that we will still be traveling just not as much and usually just to his grandparents house. I didn't want to say anything because that situation puts me for an anxiety loop.
—
We ended up signing the rental papers using our assigned code names. That way it wouldn't become public knowledge and put anyone in danger. Jack had been installing security before we moved in. I'm happy for the fact that we will have an area to decompress, eat and work. And see if this will work out considering how messy everything is.
At Least Jack felt safe enough to leave me on a non-Reyes day, I know he would never let me be alone with him, which is perfectly fine by me. I don't trust myself to behave all the time, he's been pissing me off lately and seemingly trying to make me snap while also being helpful. It's extremely conflicting.
I looked over my notes for what seems like the billionth time, twisting my hair around my finger and watching as a few stray new overwatch agents marched through the nearly empty halls. Something about it was unsettling, the reality of our current situation. Either way, I have to work on Reyes here, so it's easier than country commuting.
The door opening startled me and my coffee knocked over.
" Sorry angel, I did send you a message" he said as he rushed over to help me with the mess.
" it's fine, is it ready?" I asked as I wiped down the counter, he got me a fresh cup while I worked.
" the house? Yeah" he said.
" oh!"
" did you want to try it tonight?" He asked.
" please" I replied. Longing for the bath instead of the showers I take here.
" anything you want? I will have groceries delivered here that we can drive home, I'm not ready for a store yet or using our address for deliveries" Jack confesses.
" I think our public appearances even for mundane things are still discouraged" I replied and he nodded in agreement.
He handed me a fresh cup of coffee before preparing one for himself as he joined me in the opposite seat. The heat was warming me on the chilly day, even though the temperature doesn't change in my lab, I still feel cozier knowing I have this.
" I got to proofread speeches today" spoke Jack during our silence.
" how did that go?"
" do I have a style?" He said with a quizzical look.
" you do" I responded to see his brows shoot up.
" it's not a bad thing! It's a good thing" I replied.
" well—- I guess so" he said.
I reached across the table for his hand and held it while looking at him for a minute.
" you have an inspirational style, it helps lift people up and make them feel okay, you don't sugar coat... but you also don't terrify people" I spoke to him softly but with as much love as I could. He squeezed my hand in response, and I resumed drinking with my other hand.
" I guess I have work to do then" he says.
" You know what we like, just order the usual" I said and he nodded before getting up, kissing my temple. I know he wants to get the rental ready, and I'm thrilled he has a project. Whether it's speech writing or working on the rental, I'm happy.
I'm really excited to have a place to call ours for a while. I'm glad we didn't purchase anything yet because we are far too antsy for one place, so I throw myself into my studies for the afternoon and into early evening. Jack and John are waiting for me excitedly, so I pack up my papers and follow them to the transport. I help put John in the back while trying to avoid him getting into the groceries. I took the seat next to Jack and we went on the little drive to our place.
That sounds so nice.
Jack surveys the property quickly before letting us out, John has a light bag with him and once Jack unlocks the door he sweeps me off my feet. Carrying me inside after John ran ahead.
" had to do it" Jack says as he sets me down.
" I'm sure" I replied.
He kissed my neck and held me from behind as we walked through the house. Sure it's a rental but it's ours.
" how about—- you go try out the tub and John and I will make dinner?" He whispered.
My entire body felt warm as he held me and said that, I turned to kiss his lips when John let out a groan of frustration.
" Alright alright" Jack said as he chased after him.
I watched them run around for a minute before Jack shooed me away to take the bath.
It didn't take long to fill the tub or to step into the perfect temperature and wash away the day. I allowed myself to dip below the water, gripping the sides as best I could to stop myself from attempting anything.
I hate that I can't trust myself.
' still worried?'
Always. It's always there. The mask helped, but the more I studied the chemicals the better off I am sticking with smoking or taking pills—- but the level of enmeshment changes day to day. It's an angry subconscious, the low days get lower the high says get higher. It's all medicinal. I've prescribed so many.
I pulled myself out of the water to dry off, the plush towels Jack found online somewhere absorbing the water immediately. I changed into comfortable pants and a comfy sweater. I could smell the dinner being prepared. I left the bathroom and bedroom, seeing my two guys cooking and setting the little table. I smiled at them when they noticed me watching.
" can I help!?" I asked. But John just pulled me to the table and made me sit. Jack then told him to sit as he brought over the food.
The normalcy of sitting at a table and eating in a house, the house that we are currently living in, without complete fear or hiding from the government or world. Sitting and eating, talking about our day together as our little family is something that can't be described. It's so mundane but so—- wonderful.
I helped Jack with the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher together while John watched some cartoons before we read him his bedtime story. Leaving on the nightlight as we kissed him goodnight. Walking back downstairs holding hands, until Jack decided to sweep me up again, twirling me around the living room to the dim glow of the tv. My hands wrapped around his shoulders as I softly laughed with him. He set me down and flipped off the tv, no lights were hitting us but I felt him next to me as I leaned up and kissed him in the comfortable darkness. Each moment grew more passionate and more overwhelming until he lifted me up, my legs secured around him as he bumped around trying to find our bedroom in the dark. Soft laughter as we struggled in the dark to close and lock the door behind us before quietly tearing into each other.
—
We laid there panting afterwards, my head and hair sticking to his slick muscled chest. I could feel his heart rate slow down after a bit. He kissed my forehead and pulled me up closer to him, an arm draped around me.
We must have fallen asleep after. The morning light was trying to enter the supposed light dampening curtains.
" hello beautiful" Jack whispered.
I kissed his chest and felt his happy laugh rumble inside him.
" I need to get up and get ready don't I?" I whispered back.
" yes, but sharing a shower will make this go much slower..." he said.
" fine" I grunted as I rolled over and listened to him get up. He kissed me again and headed to the shower, promising breakfast once he finished.
I fell back into sleep and only woke up when his lips brushed my cheek. I stumbled out of bed and showered quickly.
We ate breakfast and headed over to the " office" together. John in the care of Lena and Fareeha. Jack was sitting in his usual perch, Sojourn recently arranged for a desk to be moved into there just for him.
Since he agreed to at least work on some things there he took a slight amount of joy in the desk. But working together again, and this time in the open was a relief.
It went like this for weeks. The intrigue of sneaking around wasn't something we missed at all, being in the open was liberating. But most who suspected found it to be the most natural thing watching us talk out some basic problem solving with a few new recruits, showing some of them the ropes of teamwork and protecting the healer, that I liked the most. I liked feeling Jack near me, instructor and protector, Jack. I'm loving this more than I should, but the schedule, the normality of it after years of being away was helping keep my mind in order. That nagging voice would subside the more occupied I was. But it comes back whenever I realize that this isn't going to be our future. He wants out eventually, and so do I—- I think. Maybe. I struggle at voicing my thoughts but he doesn't mind. He still snuggles me to sleep every night. Holding me against him while he whispers how much he loves me.
One night I noticed the wedding planner he kept making notes in was left out. He rarely brings this up but I know he's been working on it every spare moment he gets that he's not snuggling me.
He walked out of the bathroom to see me glancing at it and swatting my hand away.
" You said you didn't want to help planning!" He said.
" I know, but I was curious" I said in response, trying to give him my most innocent face.
" you want to see?" He asked with a grin that made his eyes squint.
" would you rather it be a surprise?" I asked.
" you hate surprises"
" but you love making people happy"
" true... I do believe you have convinced me. But—- have you picked the dress yet?" He asked as he sunk into the bed next to me and pulled over the planner, setting it between us.
" not yet, you'd know!" I said.
" I'm not supposed to know, well—- I'm not supposed to know what it looks like" he said as he kissed my cheek.
" ah, well. I haven't found anything yet" I said, to be honest I haven't even browsed anything online either. I used to just talk to my designer clients whenever I needed something, or they'd send me something for a gala. I don't have contact with any of them anymore.
Why is this so baffling to me? I like how things look—- but figuring something out for myself? Impossible.
" well. Just let me know when you want to go try something on, I'm already ready as far as that goes, and John too" he says excitedly.
" That's wonderful" I said.
" Angela—- it's in three weeks—- I know you fit into anything but I want you to have something you want" he said.
I nodded, this is supposed to be exciting! Why am I not more thrilled?
I flashed him a smile anyways and kissed his forehead while he showed me the little wooden chapel. The altar was a stone surrounded by vines, it was very very elvish and not something I'd think he would pick right away of his own choosing.
" you hate it!" He said.
" I don't. I love it, are you sure this is what you want?" I asked.
" what I want? Is for you to be happy and carefree for one night, maybe two—- more if I could but I know getting the amazingly talented and brilliant doctor Angela Ziegler to be carefree for more than a second is asking for the moon" he said as he patted my hand.
I let out a snort and skimmed the very meticulously planned binder. So many details he worked into everything... I paused at the cake and looked at him and he threw up his hands.
" We were supposed to do a tasting, remember?" He said.
" yes" I replied.
" well, since it's out of the country— that isn't easy—- so—- my mom is making it and I hope that is okay?" He asked.
" As long as Swiss chocolate is available at some point during that day I'm fine" I said.
" I will build you a swan from it" he replied.
" a swan?" I arched my brow and he shot me his dazzling smile. I leaned against him as we went over the guest list again.
" you need to find a dress. I'll marry you in whatever, but I want it to be something you want okay?" He kissed my nose and I pulled him down. Trying to push the binder away from us covertly. But he let out a soft laugh and kissed me.
We eventually fell asleep, the gnawing anxiety starting up again.
When I was working on Reyes the following day, Jack was preoccupied so I took this chance to try to beg Reyes to overturn his court ruling.
" why do you care so much?" He grunted.
" because. I don't like people being punished for something they didn't have a choice in doing"
" didn't have a choice?! I hated... still hate you! It's like I was given a favor!" He snarled.
" you are so full of shit Reyes, you are full of shit"
" it's almost like I get even more joy knowing that you will suffer knowing all of this, and knowing that I'm refusing to fight. It's like the government—- hell the UN is allowing me a final fuck you!"
" this doesn't make any sense! Your hatred of me doesn't make sense that you'd die just to piss me off!" I replied to him calmly.
" We all have our quirks" he said settling back against the pillow on the hospital bed. He still couldn't walk around, we tried but his bones are so weak at the level of repairs. But we still stretched them.
He will be walking again soon, once this current treatment is dealt with. But that depends on the timeline of his punishment. I think this just might be easier for him.
"Just because you have given up doesn't mean I am" I muttered while adjusting his dosage.
" anything wrong?" Jack asked from his desk.
" nothing wrong Boy Scout! Just telling this bitch to stop giving a fuck" Reyes called out.
Jack grimaced and looked back down at his paperwork.
" Sometimes I'm not sure why I even bother" I grunted and he chuckled.
" because you are a dumbass bitch"
" Correct, gosh your ability to read my mind is frightening" I said.
I clicked over my notes as I continued working on him, still slightly pleased with the progress, it's almost frustrating they are letting me work on someone who will be put to death soon.
I still feel there is an absence of closure, and I don't want to address it. But I feel it. Jack is scribbling furiously at his desk. I can feel that anger seething and radiating from him. My brain is rattling with ideas, there's so many ways to prevent this.
Structure. Just work on him for now.
So we resumed our day, and the next few without incident.
I was sitting in the office alone while Jack was off showing some ropes to new recruits, but I did walk by to peer at his work when Lena bumped into me.
" are you avoiding me?" She said as she looked at me.
" no, sorry!" I replied.
" we are supposed to go dress shopping!" Lena states.
" yes, yes we are" I replied as I looked back at her.
" You don't want to?!" Lena squeaked.
" I'm not that big into clothing shopping you know that" I replied as I linked my arm to hers.
" this is wedding dress shopping. WEDDING DRESS" she almost yelled. I patted her arm and nodded.
" Angela. Tonight, no excuses" she said.
" fine" I replied before she dropped me back at my office. I brewed coffee and messaged Jack that I had to go shopping.
' finally' was all he replied.
I rested my head in my hands and drank the fresh coffee, then let out a long dramatic sigh.
I want to marry him, I love him. But I don't like to plan anything. I just want him. But this will make him happy.
So when Lena dragged me to the car, and began driving I knew I was in for it. I felt anxiety as she pulled up to a beautiful store, everything looked so— faerytale.
A small framed man greeted us at the door, practically handing us champagne before we could even say a single word.
" I've already selected a few for you, I know you used to work with Melvin a lot, but—- I think I'll have something better than his usual for you" the man said as he circled me. Lena sipped her champagne and smiled brightly as we were led up the white velvet steps into a room covered in purple plush velvet. A few dresses were draped over mannequins.
" oh which one first?!" Whispered Lena while I polished off my glass and set it down on the tray a nearby Omnic had.
" How about you pick the first and I'll pick the second" I said.
Lena squeaked and zipped around while the salesman and I started at each other blankly.
My eyes were drawn to the sparkles, I guess I can't help it sometimes, the delicate embroidery was also eye-catching.
I walked over to the dress, hardly noticing the entire structure but enjoying the long trails of beadwork. Lena then pulled my attention while the salesman hung up the dress I was looking at. Lenas choice was a tight bodice with a full princess fluffy skirt. It was so massive when I was helped into it I felt like I was trapped. The way it struggled with the dressing room frame even was concerning. I do love how the corset fit but the rest was too over the top, I'm happy that Lena agreed, although she did tear up.
" I just can't believe it's finally happening" she whispered.
" Neither can I" I replied.
" I can't believe he's not dead—- sorry" the salesman said.
Lena and I looked at each other and back at him, he looked so horrified. I feel horrible that he feels bad, but I can't help giggling once Lena starts.
" You didn't say anything wrong" Lena assured him while I nodded.
I was helped into the dress I didn't realize I chose, it almost fit perfectly. The long embroidered sleeves, with the scooped off the shoulder neckline. The corset was covered in lace and crystals. The waist hugged my hips before flaring out near the floor and the back had a long little train of folds.
So I could easily walk in it despite it looking more constructed. As I stepped out of the room and in front of the mirror I saw Lena just burst into tears. I didn't expect to like this dress this much. But it feels so much like me. So natural.
" I knew you would love it" came an old but familiar voice.
I turned to embrace my old friend and former patient, Melvin.
" as if I'd leave you on your wedding day without something to wear. The minute I got the news from—- my sources. I knew what I wanted to make you" he said happily. He caught my hand and made me spin in the dress.
" Now, the veil is just as important" he hums before disappearing. Lena looks over at me beaming. It feels very real, the heavy beadwork weighing me down a bit as I turned to admire the swooped back.
He returned with a delicate veil, hundreds of crystals adorned the edges, it was light and carefully rested on my head. This all feels delightfully real and the butterflies are pounding in my stomach.
I gave Melvin a quick hug and he embraced me, before ordering for more champagne as Lena whisked me off to the dressing room to make sure she knew how to assist with the dress. It was so heavy off of me, I changed back into my clothes and drank champagne and reminisced for a small bit.
" it was always such a delight to see you shine in whatever I'd create for you; your fiancé always looked impressed, especially by the green chiffon and silk dress I made you. Every press photo from—- I can't remember that Gala, but you wore it a few times if I remember correctly" Melvin said before taking another sip.
" your fiancé—- er husband, loved that one in particular, so I went for the same shape, but without all the extra flow, this one hugs you—- which I think he will appreciate".
" ha! He always does" Lena chortled.
" I did manage to reach all my funding goals that evening, so many people supported the research into—" I started.
" I'm sure they did" Melvin said with a chuckle.
I waved my hand dismissively before finishing off my glass of champagne. After a bit more lighthearted conversation and negotiating on the price, which ended up being a gift. He argued that it's publicity as usual... Lena wouldn't let me argue it. So we drove back to the base, minor adjustments needed to be made but it was otherwise perfect.
" well?" Jack asked with a grin when I walked into the building. He was with John and Winston in his room.
" she found the most perfect one! Not that you need to know!" Lena said with a wink.
John was half asleep but gave me a big hug while Jack slowly picked him up.
" she would look perfect no matter what" he said as he gathered his things.
" awwwww true" Lena said with a beaming grin.
We went home, Jack made us a quick dinner after putting John into his bed.
" so, in the never ending drama, we might have an issue. Well. You—- " he started but then just stopped and looked at me. His eyes looked really concerned and worried.
" Sorry, I'm here—- I'm just distracted" I said.
He nodded and went to his bag and pulled out a form.
" This came in today and I've been dreading showing it to you" he said with the longest sigh before handing the document to me. The look on his face was incredibly concerning.
' The execution of Gabriel Reyes will take place—' And then blood covered the paper.
" Schiesse!" ( shit) I almost yelled as Jack found me a paper towel. My nose was pouring blood.
" you tried to stop this, don't feel—"
" guilty?! How can I not?" I said as I grabbed another paper towel and stormed off to the bathroom.
I washed off my face and slumped to the floor, holding a towel to my nose.
' you are an odd one'
I know...
' he tortured you, and yet—- this brings you no joy? Because I felt your pulse race with joy—- I feel the excitement! You want this! But try to play nice about it! Liar! Liar! The pure angel, wouldn't hurt a fly! You are just upset you don't get to do this yourself!'
That isn't remotely true.
' isn't it?'
It isn't. I know it isn't.
' you long to watch the life drain from his body like you have before! You've bashed his skull in! You've turned him into one of your zombies! You've used so many different things on him! To do what?! To add more to his life or his misery?! Isn't this cutting it too short?!'
Oh shut up.
' still hasn't answered you has he?'
No.
' he doesn't remember'
He does.
' you remember'
I don't.
' you remember! You remember!'
I don't I don't don't I don't I don't!
Jack was softly knocking on the door, so I moved away from it, allowing him to sit with me on the floor. He didn't say anything, he just held my hand. Blood and all.
" I didn't want to tell you, but—"
" I would have figured it out"
" well yeah, it's going to be all over the news so—"
" So the entire case will be refreshed, great" I replied.
" yeah, not what we want. But our wedding will distract them again so... that's a bright side" he said.
" Getting Married is— but this isn't what—-" I tried to vocalize it. But he already knows, he knows me perfectly well.
He knows me better than I know me. So he lets out a longer sigh and hands me my legal medication. Making sure to open the window first, the cold breeze entered as he settled me up on the window frame. Blocking the doors as I inhaled and exhaled.
" I'm sorry about everything" I said.
" darling, you never need to apologize for being you. " he replied before kissing me.
Eventually this led to a long night in bed, followed by a restless sleep. A five am bath, a six am bottle of vodka. Jack took one look at me and carried me back to bed, putting the baby monitor on me when he took John to the base.
I feel numb, but then anger boils through me, the voice in my mind screaming at me. I go into an almost trance. I'm out of alcohol. I'm out of everything. I'm numb.
And yet I feel everything.
We wouldn't be going in today, well I wouldn't. But Jack came home, and kept his distance while I spent the day in a weird mourning state. I can't stop obsessing over how ridiculous I am being.
He's relieved but Reyes wasn't the big problem. He was just a part of the broken system. He's just the face of it all.
" angel. You need to stop, I know it's fucked up to you but you can't stop this"
" I can— actually" I said as I looked over at him as the idea struck.
" He wants this" Jack states.
" he wants me to have one more kill on my list, he told me. He told me" I whispered.
Jack's eyes narrow.
" We aren't listening to the shit he says, he wants a rise out of you and look at how well it's working! You can't focus! Your mind is all over the place and you—" he stopped himself mid sentence. Looking upset with himself for lashing out.
" I'm sorry. This—- I want us to live our lives angela. I'm fine with helping and doing what I'm doing now, it does help me! So I like it, for now. But what I want is you and I want you to not constantly blame yourself for things that weren't your fault or problem to begin with. I introduced you to him! If anyone is to blame it's on me! So STOP WITH THE SELF LOATHING! You didn't do anything wrong! He got mind controlled, Amelie got mind controlled and conditioned. She killed her own damn husband! Talon is evil and we've cut off their ability to grow more and manipulate more. We've won but you won't take a damn moment to appreciate that! You just keep seeing every single fault!" He was nearly shouting, when he paused he looked upset, at himself? Me?
" I love you, I love every single thing about you but this is—- it's something else. I don't want to say let it go, I still had to mourn the loss of the friend I once knew, the minute he laid hands on you. Should have been the end of it. And I regret not finding out more from you. THAT IS ON ME!, I could have prevented all of this!" He stormed off, then came back after a few seconds.
I'm numb. I don't know what to say, or how to say it. He took one look at me and embraced me, sobbing. Which made me breakdown. Our bodies shake with emotion together, like two wounded animals.
We woke up on the floor, our eyes puffy, hair a complete mess, tear stains running down our cheeks. And just held each other tightly, whispering apologies to each other.
—-
The next few days were just us working and preparing, nothing much to say, I didn't see Reyes at all. I tried sending a letter begging for his case to be looked into, but that was denied, mental health diagnostic also denied. When I tried arguing it with Sojourn she just shrugged it off. I know she felt bad in a way, but her hands are tied.
The media kept trying to get Jack and I for comments but we dodged them mostly. I just worked on John's cells and tried to unscramble the final questions I had about Reyes. I caught Jack pausing over photos in articles. The ones of us all together, the entire articles dedicated to telling truth and lies.I even caught one about a love triangle gone wrong between us, Jack and I are very sexually fluid but devoted to each other. I know he doesn't care about gender just who he loves and he chose me. He never had anything with Reyes but the article was implying I did. That couldn't be further from the truth, I pressed my fingers to my temples before taking a deep breath. I had one injection left for Reyes, I took a sip of cold coffee and glanced over at Jack who was eyeing his paperwork. But the rattle of the cup being set back down made him look over.
" so you just want to go home?" He asked.
I nodded and he began packing up his things. He scooped up John and held him against him tightly, in the winter months his hood would obscure his face. The press has been swarming lately but we've been good at keeping John out of it. By usually having someone else take him to our vehicle that we stashed further away. Usually taking two transports over to avoid ours being followed home. We can't get away from all of this, the constant patrolling by the press.
—-
JACK'S POV:
Tomorrow would be the last full day of Reyes being alive.
He was my best friend. And I can't process it, I thought I did, the entire mind control fucked me up further. You can't keep hating someone that didn't technically do it. But he did torment her behind my back for years. Cooking was the only thing keeping me sane besides wedding planning. Even that feels forced with her. She's absolutely who I want to marry, but I know she's struggling and I'm useless. I can't do anything for her besides listening. She barely eats, her sleep is restless. I hold her and she clings to me, when she does sleep all I hear is her crying, begging and pleading in her nightmares. All of this just dragging me back to what she went through, and how this is just escalating everything for her. I'm hoping the wedding distracts her but it seems like barely a thought anymore. I guess I'm focusing on it for my own mental health. But she's getting sneaky, her humming in the lab and mixing things, she has a look and I know what it usually means. It means she's planning something and I desperately want to know what the hell it is.
She woke up in a sweat, her eyes fell onto me as she burst into tears and claws at me until I held her tightly. Ignoring the little pricks of blood on my skin from her. It's dark enough that she doesn't notice.
" can't sleep either?" I whispered as she shook her head and wiped her tears on my shoulder. I let out a small laugh and cradled her against me.
" can I ask—" I started but she kissed me. Silencing the question. She gets away with most things doing this, the unspoken code.
The rest of the evening was either frantic lovemaking or trying to sleep, it helped exhaust us into passing out for a little while, but then the nightmare started again.
We hardly spoke during breakfast, John was flipping channels while eating and suddenly he let out an excited yelp as he pointed at the tv.
A far away shot of Angela and I walking out of the courthouse together hand in hand.
" John turn the channel" I ordered as he tried to protest. The next image scanned over to all of us at overwatch, back in the day with Reyes. I snatched the controller from John and he began to cry, which made the entire house spiral.
I just set down the remote and walked over to the fridge, staring blankly at its contents just to feel the cold air and to avoid screaming.
" it's fine darling" Angela hummed to him as she turned the tv to some cartoon shows. She patted his head and walked over to me, kissing my cheek and stroking my back.
I'm almost too shocked to speak but Angela, she seems almost normal.
" We have to leave soon if we want to be there on time" Angela chirped into my ear. She glanced away for a second but then lightly bit my earlobe after kissing my cheek.
I didn't need this sort of conflicting feeling this morning. But we packed up what we needed and headed over to the building.
The mood was weird, everyone knew to not mention a word of it to either of us, but Angela in particular. She was absorbed in her studies and crossing off lists of what she still needed from Reyes. He was walking in with the guards. Something Angela managed to return to him was his walking but it apparently took a lot of injections and—- I paused and looked at her as she watched him. She seems almost too calm. The guards left him once he was chained to the medical table. He could still get up but not freely, Angela began to run over her daily routine.
" You look happy, " Reyes said to me as I watched.
" not in the slightest" I replied.
" gonna miss me Boy Scout?" He cockily said.
I don't want to admit it.
" I miss who you were. Not who you've become" I replied, not wanting that to go unsaid. I don't owe him shit.
" getting sentimental on me? Still time for that threesome the papers keep hinting at" he said as he clicked his tongue.
" consider it a wedding present! The only orgasm ange— watch it!" He snarled as she pinched his skin with a needle.
" anyways. It's pointless for me to be in here today, except to give you some closure?" He said as his eye drifted to Angela and then to me.
" what closure could you possibly offer us?" Angela said as she tapped away on her keyboard before stabbing another needle into him. Then taking samples.
" you tell me" he said as he looked at her.
" Unless you've become a doctor in the past 24 hrs I doubt there is anything you could do that would prove to be remotely useful for me" Angela stated.
She remained calmer than me, I wanted to yell at him or scream at him. Instead I'm feeling guilt. I feel that guilt Angela has, he's an asshole. He's a murderer. He's been an accessory in more crimes than I can count.
But he was my best friend. He betrayed me, he was seduced by Talon, I got the promotion he didn't. I got the credit he didn't. I get it.
But I don't get the lengths he went too to make Angela miserable.
He would constantly try to report us. But it would get swept under over and over.
I can't bring myself to feel a seething rage. I'm guilty.
" Someone's getting upset" he teased.
" Whatever Reyes" I said nearly biting my tongue afterwards, that's usually how our arguments would go. I pushed some papers around the desk, knowing he'd know that habit as well. But Angela remains rather stoic, she's good at picking up on all these details but right now she's just focused on treatment and samples.
Her brows would crinkle from time to time, she'd run something over him and then return to her systems.
" what a great fucking way to spend this day huh?" He says while waiting for her to return back to his side.
" yep" I replied.
" knew you'd miss me" he repeated.
" will you just shut— you know what. say whatever. Get it all out there" I barked before softening my tone a bit. Angela looked over at me before looking back at the screen.
" you are a cocky piece of shit who got too high up without ever getting checked. Somehow managed to get this cushy job, so what bad has actually befallen you? Because it looks like you have the girl. You have everything you could possibly want. By doing the exact same shit I did—- only difference you were treated like a hero" Reyes snarled.
" treated like a hero? After I backed you up repeatedly and you screwed up over and over again?! Oh no! I fucking dated someone at Overwatch while in charge. She was in charge too! There's nothing inherently wrong with any of that!" I replied.
" because of you letting her run loose! I'm the mess I am" he growled.
" blaming her! Really? Are we going to have this conversation?" Now I was getting heated.
" no better time! You know I have blamed her! She was just allowed to do whatever the fuck she wanted, it's the whole reason she has nothing to show what she was working on that day. The files all ' mysteriously' vanished. Because she fucking burned them all. Coded them all! If anything the monster of Overwatch isn't either of us! It's her!" He shouted.
My entire body was in fight mode, I snapped a pen without realizing it.
" soldier 24?" Angela said softly.
" what the fuck about it" he asked.
" I was looking into the serum" she replied.
" spit it out"
" that's what it is— it's a combination. You got the faulty serum, and that combined with unstable nanintes fucked you up" Angela said nonchalantly.
" you are serious!?" I said as I looked at her. She finally figured it out, she finally figured it out! Which is why she's so relaxed.
But also so chaotic. But she's looked into this a billion times...
" I finally got the full record unsealed, there was an issue in your batch" Angela said. " I mean Reyes, not you" she added.
I have so many questions but Reyes looks furious.
" you can't just unseal my records!"
" I got it waved in advance of your impending demise, it was deemed medically necessary for a lot of disclosed reasons that you will never be privy too" Angela said with an arched brow.
" you outbitched yourself" he grumbled.
" okay" she said before returning to her computer and compiling things.
He looked so furious, the rage was bottling up to fury. He looked over at me with his eye and snarled.
I just shrugged and returned to my paperwork, or pretended too. The fact that she managed to pull this off is so impressive. I'm usually in awe of her, but that she thought of digging deeper into what she already knew—- or thought she knew. I glanced over at her and she was fully immersed in her work.
" she can't fucking do this" Reyes snarls.
" I assure you she can" I replied to his miserable face. It was twisting in a way I hadn't seen since—
Not going there.
The guards gave a warning knock of fifteen minutes. I know Angela would still see him before—
But right now this is my final time with the man who used to be my best friend. Who I can't believe in my pictured future back then would be my best man. I can't believe how naive I was.
" might as well just take him, unless you need anymore pain medication?" Angela said as she looked over at him causally. Then I noticed it. The slight sway of her footing, her eyes seemingly loosing their focus.
She shouldn't be here like this but she's got it mostly hidden. I'd know. I let out a sigh, but did it while adjusting papers so she doesn't catch on.
" maybe I'll take the next fifteen to make you cry again, you know how much I enjoy that" Reyes said.
" well, I will cry for you. But mostly for your arrogance, stubbornness and foolishness" Angela chirped.
" all compliments" Reyes said.
" you are a real— asshole. I hope you know that" I said to him from behind my desk.
" and you are a jackass" Reyes replied almost reflexive.
A/N: Lots of back and forth on this one! I tried to convey the regrets and emotions, and i apologize if the formatting has been off, i don't know how to fix it!
Thank you so much for reading! shoutouts to : Kirabeta, robot584, Trokxy, TheMdogs, dragontear365, jfm76, ayumiiishinozakiii, CyborgNinja777, Chaosdynasty,and L0rdOfThEMemes