We didn't have to be anywhere early, but my brain woke me up, Lena was snuggled against me and so was Mei. I spotted Hana and Ingrid on the edges of either side, but Hana's legs were strewn over our pile.
I cautiously got up and stumbled out to the sitting room. My hair was a tangled mess, I felt like a mess, so once I showered and went through my morning routine, including coffee in the fancy machine.
That woke up Ingrid, who went through her routine and then joined me for coffee. We browsed room service for breakfast as the other girls gradually woke up and used the bathrooms.
We chatted, knowing that the stylists would be showing up later for nails, hair and makeup. It's all a bit too much to handle but no different from galas and awards days.
I'm usually less fussy, but it's our wedding.
As we sat around the sitting room with our various breakfast foods, I was just nibbling on toast, fruit and champagne.
" I can't believe you had an actual meltdown about being good enough for Jack" Lena said with a tired laugh.
" oh you know that isn't true. He may be handsome but you are by far the superior person in the relationship" Ingrid stated before turning back to her food.
" I really like him, I mean team mom and dad all the way. But I'm mostly ' team mom' because you were like tortured and — oh" Hana's eyes got big when Mei slapped a donut into her mouth to silence her.
The shake in my hand was back and I couldn't focus. The anxiety about being in front of people again, wearing a dress and walking down an aisle.
I excused myself and headed for the balcony but Lena cut me off.
" I'm the balcony checker!" Lena shouted as she pushed me aside.
A bit too hard because my nose started to bleed—- maybe!? But judging by Lena's reaction it actually was.
" I'll go get a towel, oh Ange, I'm sorry!" She said.
" is it clear?" I asked.
" yeah but like, what if someone sees you?"
" it's just a nosebleed" I said as she handed me the towel.
I reclined the sun chair and held the towel over my nose. Waiting for it to stop, while listening to Lena drone on about how the Hana didn't mean it, and how strong I am.
" Lena. I'm begging you, stop and just bring me my medication" I said.
" I don't think you have it in your bag, uhm" Lena said.
" then find Junkrat" I replied.
" Can do" said Lena. I heard some squabbling inside and then Mei came out.
" did you want to talk about it?" She asked.
" Not really, the more I talk the more real it all was" I said.
" I understand, I feel the same about—- well you know"
" yeah... that's not easy" I replied.
" I was sleeping, so in one way it was fine, almost no memories. But— oh well, we can talk about whatever you want"
" I don't really feel like talking, if you want to tell me anything I'll listen" my voice was soft and muffled by the towel.
" Jesse is single right?" She asked.
" yes..." I said.
" good" she replied.
That makes me happy, Jesse has seemed depressed lately. If it doesn't work out, that's fine too, but it's cute.
" Sheila! " Junkrat exclaimed as he came out on the porch. You could see the instant regret because of the chill in the air.
" can you help me? I'm losing it again" I whispered to him.
" yeh but inside. If you want to smoke, we can open a window—- i am freezing" he said as he chattered.
I followed him inside and he laid out a few things. I could just go to a pharmacy but I can't do my own prescriptions there.
Instead he found some of the hogdrogen, he gave Mei some supplies for later to hold onto for me, gave me a hug and left. Apparently the stylists were here and Mei and i lazily flopped into the chairs they brought for us, I kept forgetting the entire schedule. But they did bring mimosas and I was thrilled about that. I just tried to relax while my nails were done in the most elegant design. Tiny little crystals near the French tips. It's too elaborate but it's what was suggested for me. So I went along with anything.
" excited?" Asked Ingrid as she wiggles her fingers at me.
I thanked the omnic and showed my nails to her and she fawned over them. I don't fully understand the appeal from a practical standpoint, but it's just for today... and they do look really beautiful. Getting my hair done was so relaxing that I fell asleep, while the makeup artist danced their brushes across my face.
" Angela!" Whispered Lena when I opened one eye.
Lena was holding out a mirror and I gasped for a hair was down, and the most Bouncy large waves, down 40's hairstyle. It looked so retro, the side sweep, pinned to secure some of the waves, with little crystals. Every time I moved my head you could see sparkles. My makeup was soft, my lashes are much longer as they open and close. A light brown toned Smokey eye, some deep dusty rose lipstick and soft cheek highlights, my skin is glowing.I glanced over at the time and nearly began to panic. I know it's almost time, so I downed another glass and another. I'm so nervous but excited. I had some lipstick and various products to add to the bag we were taking, I was changing in a tent in the forest apparently but Lena pauses when she gets a phone call and looks at me with those eyes. I immediately start to panic but she waves her hand to calm down.
" don't worry, we will" she said before hanging up.
" what?" I asked.
" it's nothing! Just, we need to change you here, we will use the side staircase to get out unseen by photographers.
Lena and Ingrid helped me into the skin tight dress with corset lacing. I couldn't look in the mirror but Lena insisted after bribing me with a straw cup full of booze.
Everything sparkles, including the necklace I was lent, the large stones making my neck so heavy, it's not me, but it is beautiful.
" I think it's too much" I said.
" it does try to steal the show on your chest, and I think that would be a damn shame" said Ingrid as she adjusted my top.
We removed the necklace and Ingrid fussed with my hair for a while further, making sure everything was ' just so'.
" You can borrow this" said Ingrid as she pulled out a bracelet from her bag.
" So that's the borrowed, now we need a blue" said Lena.
Mei began to dig through her own bag and bent down and pulled up my dress.
" excuse me?" I said.
" It's a garter, I forgot to mention it" Mei said.
" Alright so we are covered on all bases then" said Lena as the garter slid up my thigh.
" yep" said Mei as she snapped it and I let out a hiss of pain and laughter.
Now anytime I drank it was an ordeal, the sippy cup was still working though. But my anxiety levels are pumping out of control.
" I can't be seen outside again yet? Can I?" I asked as I fanned myself.
" Jack's been gone since I think five am or something crazy—"
" he needed rest!" I said.
" ha yeah, you remember his planning nights— that man and you have that in common. Don't stop until you do" Lena said.
I looked at the time again and knew we had to start heading over. The women were all beautifully dressed, I didn't formally have any " bridesmaid" requests, but the designer insisted on outfitting them.
Ingrid was wearing a long styled dress, she looked like a Norse goddess in the beautiful green, Lena was in a sort of flowing pantsuit, Mei in a similar dress to Ingrid, and looking stunning as always. Hana has already left to meet up with Lúcio.
Lena has the veil in a hat box, I am carrying the sippy cup, while Mei, who along with Ingrid hasn't stopped taking photos all day follows me out the door. Junkrat is waiting with Hanzo, and I'm happy to see them, but part of me wanted Genji here as well.
" oh Sheila you look beautiful! " Junkrat said as he squeezed Hanzo's arm.
" very lovely, " Hanzo said.
"thank you" I said with a smile as we walked down the stairs, the beaded train on my dress was lifted up by the corded band around my wrist. I could feel the weight of it as I walked.
Hanzo and Junkrat opened the door to the back exit and got a clear sign from someone.
They pulled me along to the giant limo before I could even register daylight. Nearly spilling my drink as I was pushed inside.
" careful with her! She's a bit fragile" said Ingrid as she helped me in. More champagne greeted us as Hanzo popped the bottle for us.
" We put it in here earlier so no need to worry on tampering" Junkrat said.
" but what about in the time you were gone?" I said.
The driver turned around, I couldn't believe Reinhardt's lumbering frame fit in the front seat.
" hello! You look just like a princess!" Reinhardt boomed.
" thank you" I said as Lena filled up my sippy cup.
" are these John's?!" Asked Lena.
" maybe" I replied.
The car began to drive towards the forest, well deeper into the forest. You could see secret security all over the place. The sky was no exception either. Maybe this was a ridiculous idea, but the soft powder on the ground was making me feel happy. Sure it's not snowing, but it we pulled up you could see all the shining lights, thousands of them in the trees, I think projected!?
" This is magical" whispered Lena.
" yeah he's been working all day on this— we are headed for the little tent and once you are ready we can begin" Hanzo said.
I couldn't see everything from where we are, but Ingrid adjusted my hair and then once I had a huge gulp of champagne, attached my veil. I hadn't noticed the little silver halo that it attaches too, it's so delicate you'd hardly be able to tell.
I was helped out of the limo, and escorted into the tent that was decked out in faux fur, mini heater, etc.
" he really thought of everything didn't he?" I whispered.
" mommy!" Squeaked John as he ran into the tent with Jack's mother behind him.
She stopped in her tracks when she looked at me.
" hello my darling" I said to John as I looked at him making " up" arms.
" I can't baby! I can't bend well in this—-" I said as I looked around and Lena scooped him up.
" are you in there?" He asked as he lifted the veil up and Ingrid snapped a photo. This is all incredibly surreal.
The tears I was trying to stifle were threatening to fall.
" Daddy wanted me to give this to you! And you! You are a fairy!" He said as he played with some beading and handed me a letter.
I looked at the letter when everyone was fussing over John in his suit.
" love of my entire universe, I promise there aren't any bears within the nearest vicinity. I made a deal with them to leave you alone. But in all seriousness, I love you. I cannot wait time see you walk down the aisle, and I cannot wait to hold and kiss you again"
I bit my lip, causing Lena and Ingrid to start fussing as they corrected my lipstick.
Jack's mom was still not approaching me so I went over to her after telling John again how handsome he looked.
" thank you for coming" were the only words that I could muster. Suddenly it set in that I had no family besides her and her husband and my son and Jack of course.
But that weight was making me shake so hard and his mom just held me. I silently sobbed, I tried. I tried to hold this back.
" Ange Ange come on. Keep it together for like what ? Fifteen minutes—- or hell even five" Lena whispered.
" it's waterproof!" I said after a moment as I let go of his mom but she moved my veil to kiss both of my cheeks.
"Ich sehe dich schon als Tochter an" she said to me, stumbling over a few of the words ( I already see you as a daughter).
And now I'm a mess, but looking in the mirror proved that it truly is waterproof.
" thank you, I —" I tried.
" I know sweet girl" his mom said.
" are we ready to start?" Asked Reinhardt as he popped his head into the tent.
I let out a shaky breath, we never rehearsed any of this.
" yes?" I said. Lena lifted up John again and I hugged him.
" I love you darling, you will be wonderful" I said.
" I hope so!" He replied as he picked up the little ring holder.
" Jack said I couldn't be a flower girl" Lena said with a sigh.
" oh, I'm—- I don't think we need all this" I said.
" he's really done something here hasn't he?" Mei gushed.
" He's perfect" I said.
" Far from it, but he landed you" said his mom with a laugh.
She took John's hand and he waved at me and I waved back. The other women lined up and Reinhardt took off.
I was in the back and I feel like I'm sweating so much but it's so cold out. I could hear soft music playing and watched as everyone started walking before me.
John waved at me again before disappearing through an arch in the trees.
I heard him shout loudly " DADDY MOMMY LOOKS LIKE A PRINCESS" and everyone was giggling.
I recognized a few laughs and Lena was nearly crying and I can't figure that out.
But then noticed a few of the men waiting to walk them down. Jesse with Mei went before Torbjorn with Ingrid.
" I know I know I clean up nice too" said Torbjorn before giving his wife a kiss. Reinhardt was walking with Lena.
" are you alright?" I asked Lena.
" I'm just so happy and sad all at once" she said through tears. I noticed we were holding things up. But I took a moment to hold her before Reinhardt practically tore her away.
I'm alone, and panicking. I tried to steady my breath. I could see security not far from me.
But that didn't stop me from gasping as I felt cold metal on my arm.
" do you need help?" Asked Genji.
I pulled him into an immediate hug and he flinched unexpectedly.
" Jack thought you'd want me to walk you down the aisle—- I know originally it was probably Ana but all things considered—- we are late" he said.
" thank you" I whispered.
" you look beautiful, now are you ready for this?" He asked.
" thank you, I am—- " I said as I let out another panicked breath.
" center your mind and focus on the task at hand" he said.
" why are you like this?"
" eh. Some doctor pulled me out of a dumpster with her future husband by her side. Kinda changed me for life" he said as he fixed my veil.
" thank you" I whispered as he gently pulled me towards the sparkling arch.
I nearly burst into tears when I saw Jack turn around at the altar when he was tapped by Zenyatta.
It was so beautiful. Everything.
The only way to describe it is Lothlorien. The trees are dancing with lights and fake candles. The aisle is snow pushed aside with little white flowers lining everything.
And then I saw his jaw twitch fully with emotion and his eyes glassy as we got closer. You could see the lines were tears had fallen.
Genji lifted the side of the veil to kiss my cheek and handed me to Jack's hands.
" See I told you daddy" John said, causing some more giggles.
" You are right" he replied, hardly breaking eye contact with me. He seems so nervous.
His hands rubbed mine, Zenyatta looked at us and then at everyone else.
" We are gathered here today, to publicly unite Jack Morrison and Angela Ziegler. Marriage is viewed as the— " I zoned out. I was lost in his eyes, the eyes I never thought I'd see again, whose body I couldn't find in the rubble—- the same eyes imprinted in my memory during—- everything.
Jack tapped on the back of my hand with his, alerting me.
" the couple has decided to write their own vows so at this time I will ask for you Jack, to go first".
" fuck" Jack said under his breath.
He actually had to pull out a piece of paper, I arched an eyebrow.
" don't judge me, she's judging me because I've never needed to pull out a speech before. I'd memorize it, and I've memorized this. But every time I look at you— you are all I can think about, so— "
" don't worry" I replied as I squeezed his hand.
" alright, Angela—- " and then he stopped because he was shaking so hard.
Which only made me start to lose it too.
" take your time" I whispered to him.
He smiled at me and I gently touched his cheek.
" Angela, my angel... I promise that I will always protect you, even if I haven't always— " he stopped for a moment and collected himself again.
" I haven't always been— the best but I promise to love you, protect you, respect you and honor you, I wish I could promise to always have coffee when you need it but I can't. That would be impossible. But you make me believe in the impossible so maybe that could happen"
I lightly laughed as I looked at his smiling eyes.
" You make me the happiest person in the world, you are the only person in the room, unless John is there then it's you and John. But beyond that. You are my everything. My angel, my love".
" and I have more, but I really won't make it through it, so you can just read that later and know, I'm really sorry I thought I could read this thing" he said.
" I love you, and you've said so many beautiful things to me—- and that"
" wasn't my best"
" It was perfect" I said, nodding my head.
" Angela, would you like to say yours?" Asked Zenyatta.
I steadied the shake in my hands, looking through a veil helped a lot. I could try to zone out a little.
" Jack, when you came into my life I wanted to hate you, you stood for everything I tried to distance myself from. But when you entered that hospital, and smiled at me, I knew no matter what I outwardly displayed, was that you took my breath away and proceeded to do so, every single time I looked in your eyes" I could see the glassy eyes drop a tear.
" when you look at me, and talk to me, I feel like I can do anything, you make me believe in myself, you made me believe in you and believe in the world again, when I became so insistent and depressed you pulled me out, Time and time again—- you've been my constant and my rock. Even when— even when you weren't there I still felt you with everything I did, and everywhere I went. Only to find out, there you were the entire time" I had to pause and regulate my breathing.
" you see the best in me when I can't see anything, you see the light when I see darkness, you see the hope when I feel hopeless, you take the pieces of me and see a whole— and you are my whole world. Always have been. I cannot ever imagine a day when I don't want you by my side and even though I'm a disaster , a mess, and you always have some sort of joke or way to make me feel better. I promise to try to keep my head up, no matter how my brain behaves, I promise to always love you, as you have somehow always loved me, and I promise to always be by your side and not against you. I love you" I said softly.
Jack lightly stomped his foot with emotion, he cleared his throat but nothing came out when he mouthed " I love you".
" I love you too" I said softly.
" At this time I'd like for the ringbearer to bring us the rings" said Zenyatta.
John suddenly got really shy, he was being held by Jack's mom who had to walk him back up to us.
John held up the rings and then took off back to his seat.
My hand shook as Jack slid the ring onto my finger, and I nearly dropped his ring.
" I would like to ask at this time if there is anyone who objects to this?" Asked Zenyatta.
" if anyone does I'll—-" Reinhardt was then shushed by Ana. .
" Then, by the power bestowed upon me, by the state of Indiana, in the United States of America, planet earth, I pronounce you mr and mrs. And you may now kiss the bride" Zenyatta said neglecting to say our full last name, so we paused for a moment but Jack slowly lifted up the light veil and smiled.
His hand touched my cheek as he kissed me, not once but twice to the cheers of our friends.
" is that it? Can they stop staring now?" I whispered and Jack laughed.
" yes, you are free to go back into hiding" He whispered into my ear.
John ran up to us once Zenyatta explained how to follow the lights to the reception.
" Mommy can't pick me up" John whines as Jack lifts him.
" Mommy is wearing a dress that is acting like a vice grip" I said as I took a deep breath.
" do you want to change?" Asked Jack.
" No! It's pretty!" I exclaimed.
Jack burst into laughter before kissing my cheek again, John began to play with my veil.
" You are beautiful" he said.
" So are you" I replied.
" and so are you sweet boy" I said as I kissed John's shaggy hair.
" do you want to head over?" He asked as he held out his spare arm.
" yes" I replied.
" I hope you like it, it's taken some time"
" I love how you set all of this up" I whispered.
" I'm just gonna get a few good shots of this" Hana said as she and Lúcio appeared.
" yeah, I didn't think you'd want a photographer so—" Jack said.
" you can do one with John, but I'm really worried about him being photographed. We are worried" I corrected myself.
Lúcio gave me a hug and then took John from Jack afterwards.
We did a few shots and then they ventured ahead of us.
" I do love it. I feel like I'm in a book" I said.
" That was the intention" he says with a yawn.
" darling please don't tell me that you are exhausted"
" angel... it's our official wedding night, I am not letting a little bit of drowsiness get in the way of anything" he said.
" even a bulletproof dress" I said as I swished from side to side.
" Especially not a dress" he said as he wrapped his arms around me again, brushing his hand up my exposed back.
He kissed me a few times, I gently wiped the tiny stain the gloss tried to leave.
" you might as well give up, these lips will be stained and I won't care, they are your kisses—- and I'd do anything for them" he said. Then he groaned.
" what?"
" my vows were terrible"
" they were not!"
" ah! You have that ' good try' tone" he protested.
" darling, stop! I loved it, yes it wasn't your usual but I know your usual would have had us both sobbing uncontrollably. You did it for the sake of my makeup" I said rubbing his arm.
" I honestly did have a better one written" he says.
" I know you have another one, but whether it's better or not is irrelevant" I said before kissing him. My arms wrapped around his shoulders as he lifted me up a little.
" oh! Look at my shoes!" I said as I kicked a foot out.
" those are very fancy!" He exclaimed.
" Lena gave them to me!" I said as I wiggled my foot out again so the candles caught the shimmer.
" That was wonderful of her" he said, kissing my temple before setting me back down on the ground.
"And it was wonderful for you to do all of this" I said, kissing his hand.
" ha, you haven't seen anything yet— oh!" He paused and tilted his head up.
A snowflake landed on his nose, and made him laugh.
" looks like we got that wish" I said as his arm pulled me tighter to him.
" and here come the Newlyweds! " shouted Reinhardt.
We stepped into a lodge in the forest, he had completely went above and beyond, the tables looked beautiful with little stars and lights, everything was decorated elegantly but in a way that made me completely enamored with him even more.
" did you get any sleep?" I asked.
" I did, but I have to be honest, Genji, Hanzo and Reinhardt helped a lot. Torbjorn made a bunch of things in advance... be happy there isn't a cake shooting turret here. That took a LOT of talking him down about" Jack said as he pulled out my chair for me.
Food was brought out but technically we needed to mingle for a bit but I made Jack eat since there is no way I can in this dress besides the amazing potato soup. I still had a sippy cup, but this time much more blinged out.
It was wonderful to see everyone, Ana dashed in for a bit to grab some food and congratulate us, but her and Fareeha were switching out on security leads.
We took so many photos with our friends and it didn't feel awkward, I for once don't feel anxious interacting this much in a non medical or work setting.
But it helped having Jack always holding my hand or waist as we walked around the room. John would randomly run over to us, and tell us what Hana was showing him on her phone, thank goodness for games.
" so we have to do this first dance thing now, and I am terrible so please, please guide me through this. I tried to get help last night but I'm virtually useless" Jack whispered.
" We don't have to do the first dance, darling, I don't mind" I said.
" But I mind, you love to dance" he said.
" yes, but that doesn't change anything. If it means so much to you to do this, just hold my waist and we can rock around for a few moments slowly and then drag others out to join us—- you are being traditional when I'm not" I said pressing my hand to his face.
Lúcio was in charge of music and I saw him nod at Jack, who nodded back.
" Are you two scheming?" I asked.
" no! I was originally but that was a disaster, but— please promise you won't hate me for this"
" our wedding day and you already have secrets?" I asked.
" is a tiny secret a secret?" He asked.
" what did you do!"
" nothing, I repeat. I cannot dance, I was literally just nodding at Lúcio" he insisted.
" we don't have to do the first dance, it's fine! Just open up the floor" i said as I kissed him.
" Alright alright" he said.
I turned to Hanzo and Genji who were sitting nearby with Junkrat.
" Can you tell me what he was planning" I asked.
" barely been an hour! Secrets!" Junkrat drunkenly stated.
" He wanted to learn ' you're the one that I want' but very quickly realized it wouldn't work" Genji said with a flush on his face.
" that is so—-" I started but Junkrat cut me off " tacky?"
" It was sweet" Hanzo said with a light tap on Junkrat's hand.
I snuck up on Jack who was talking to Lúcio.
" you may not know the steps, but the fact that you thought of that song from Grease makes me very. Very emotional, so you are dancing to it with me, but I'll show you" I said as I arched a brow and looked at Jack and Lúcio.
" Unless you want it to be sentimental then it's up to you, but knowing you you had 100000 different choices, so I want you to then go with your original plan " I said as I placed a hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes.
I saw Jack whisper something to Lúcio who nodded and announced what exactly was going on.
I really can't stand this kind of attention, but I don't mind it if I'm with him.
" Nobody cares if it's fancy" I said softly as I rested my head against him, feeling his heart pound.
The orchestral version of "Once upon a dream" played softly, I tuned it out, fully absorbed in the moment of him dancing with me.
" and for the record, there is zero chance I can be dipped in this without exposing my entire chest" I added.
That at least got a laugh out of him.
" Good to know for later, but not for now" he said before tilting my head up to kiss him.
The song slowly faded and Jack whispered a quick apology.
" At this time, we ask those of you to line up" Lúcio said with a wink.
" what is this?!" I said softly.
" I wanted you to feel as treasured as possible, and I know that this was one thing you always wanted so I tried to make it work with all the important people in your life" he said as " beauty and the beast" began in German.
" you monster" I whispered.
" I know—- but"
" excuse me, but may I have this dance" said Reinhardt as Jack gave me a kiss and handed me over to him.
His stature made the quick trip around the dance floor difficult.
" I'm not as young as I used to be, I wish you both the best" he said as I hugged him and he got tapped out by Torbjorn and he did the little boogie disco moves he always does before Hanzo cut in.
" this is a rare occasion; so do not expect me to do this. Ever" Hanzo said as he danced me across the room and spun me into his brother.
" You look beautiful, and it is an honor to dance with you" Genji said.
" thank you, this feels so out of my comfort zone" I whispered.
" You used to dance in front of hundreds of people, I think you can handle this" he said before spinning me, the bead work had a satisfying clink as I spin back. Before Junkrat takes my hand.
" Now, this song is truly fitting, for I am a beauty and you are a beast" he said as he started to do the running man.
" Well, come on Sheila" he said with another laugh.
" I couldn't if I tried" I said as he took my hands back and did a proper across the floor to Jack's dad.
And my entire body fought back a flood of tears as he held out his hand for me.
" My son inherited my dancing skills" he said.
" ah, that is no problem, your son CAN dance he's just shy"
" ha! He's anything but shy" his dad said as he held my hand and led me in a sweet two step.
" I know I know, but you are quite good" I said as he returned me to John and smiled at his son.
" She says I'm a better dancer than you" he said with a cheeky grin.
" I did not!" I said with a laughing gasp.
" she's just telling the truth. Now let's see if this Morrison can dance" Jack said as he moved so John could come out with me.
" I don't know!" He whined.
" baby, stand on my toes and I will move you around okay? Hold on!" I said just like my dad would.
" Wait, your shoes" Jack says as he bends down, I hold my hand on his back as he removes both of them while I keep balance.
" Thank you, come along John" I said.
John hugs my legs and stands on my toes as I move him around.
" faster!" He said as his big blues looked up at me.
" any faster and we will both land on the ground" I said.
" awwwww" says John but I motioned Jack to come over and he picked up John.
" he wants to go faster, so I think..." I said as Jack grabbed my waist and spun us both. I'm practically in tears from emotion and euphoria and happiness.
The song finally ends and now people are joining us out here while Lúcio plays a selection of upbeat music.
I managed to keep our little circle going but Jack was eventually tired and I told him to rest while Lena and Fareeha joined me to dance with John.
This went on for awhile, I could see Jack laughing with our friends but never taking his smiling eyes off me for too long.
Eventually my feet needed a break so I went over to Jack who pulled me in his lap.
" I love watching you dance" he whispers in my ear. I kissed him and took his beer.
" You won't like it" He said.
" why?" I asked.
" Jesse dumped his flask of moonshine into it " he said.
" homemade?"
" is there any other kind with him?"
My nose crinkled, and Jesse shouted " I heard that".
Mei handed me a bottle of white wine. It was meant for the table but my cup was nowhere in sight.
" We have plenty of wine here, local winery—- so don't worry" said Jack as I then began to drink from it.
" Now that is front page worthy" said Lena.
" oh please no" I giggled as I put down the bottle after taking a generous swig.
" naw it's cute! look at how he looks at you even with a bottle" said Lena.
She was right, Jack was just using those puppy dog eyes of his and staring lovingly at me.
" You are so sweet" I said as I kissed his nose and he blushed.
" it's been decades and you still make me melt" he whispered in my ear before kissing my neck and giving my waist a squeeze.
"Du bist die Liebe meines Lebens" ( you are the love of my life) I replied.
His blush deepened and he stumbled over his German "Ich verehre dich, ich liebe dich, mein Engel" ( I adore you, I love you, my angel).
I kissed him, my hand cradling his jaw before I stopped and smiled at him.
" ugh, you two are so in love" Junkrat said.
" Well, it's their wedding" Hanzo said.
" oh Gee thanks, how would I have ever figured that one out" Junkrat groaned with a laugh. Genji chuckled at the look Hanzo shot him.
" Oh this next part, I promise to not smash cake on you" said Jack.
" Why would you smash cake on me?" I said in confusion.
" That is a tradition in some places, you feed each other cake and smash each other with it" Mei said.
" but—- why?" I asked.
The table mostly shrugged and looked around.
" Well, I won't smash you with cake either" I said to Jack.
" but you could, I'm not the one in a fancy dress"
" but you are in a fancy garmet" I insisted.
" alright sure, I am. But you can pelt me in cake or John will. Either way..." Jack said as he helped me up before standing up himself.
It was so intricate, I couldn't believe it and the topper of Jack and I, it was so precious.
I looked over at his mother and said thank you.
She was smiling brightly back and waved her hand at me.
" alright, we have to cut this together and you don't need to go into full surgeon mode" Jack whispered as his hand went on top of mine as we cut the cake.
" I'm going to do my absolute best again, to feed you, and I'm sorry in advance" he said.
" what Jack, no. Jack what are you sorry about ? " I said as I had a tiny bite ready for his mouth and he had the most mischievous look on his face.
I flung up my hand in defense, smacking his cheek with cake as he burst into laughter. My eyes blinked open as he daintily fed me a tiny piece.
" you tricked me!" I said.
" my miss-cake " he teased.
I heard a small spattering of giggling of those who heard his awful pun.
" oh don't encourage him" I said to them.
As we stepped back to our seat at the main table that was set up, I don't think Jack wanted the traditional groom and bride table, thankfully. Cake was served along with champagne for toasting. Reinhardt tapped his glass first and stood up raising his glass.
" if you are here, you already know how meant to be they are. But some of you didn't get to witness it first hand like Ana and I did. So I'd like to take a minute to probably embarrass them out of the room. First mission with both of them together, and you should have seen Jack and heard him over the communications. ' come in mercy! Mercy! Do we have eyes on mercy!? Is she with you! We had a plan! Mercy!' The man said it like a prayer. You'd think he was a catholic the amount of times he repeated ' mercy mercy mercy mercy'. Finally, Angela being the saint that she was kept softly saying into the communicator ' Jack I'm with a patient. I'm with a patient. They need healing, I'm busy. I'm healing. I'm healing I'm healing'. But what you didn't see was the entire time Jack had her completely in her sights, he wanted her to know he was constantly trying to keep people near her, to protect her. You see, they have their own way of communicating, you could listen to them and not have any idea the absolute filth they are probably saying when in a normal conversation that could be overheard and nobody bat an eyelash. When Angela was brought onto Overwatch you could see the immediate change and leadership skills that Jack had come to full balance, you could see the highly erratic, often aloof but always kind and patient Angela mellow down. But they never lost their stubbornness or passion. So i want to toast to their stubbornness, and their ability to make any conversation subtle"
I could feel my cheeks flush as Lena stood up next.
" mom and dad, I was as you know, a newer recruit, and every time they would try to silence me from calling them that, I knew.
You can't hide the obvious dedication and devotion these two have for each other. It's why the media tried to push it and they'd continue on, trying to hide or push the rumors aside. But they've always been mom and dad. My first mission, Jack personally told me to stick by Angela, Angela was told to stick by me. I was so nervous, but I felt so safe and protected in them. When everything went to shit, and she still hung onto hope that he was still out there, and finally admitted the years... of love for each other, and John of course. Sorry. You don't give up, and she never did. I've seen her in her highest and lows. The person who even when 'dead' was still there and she knew it. Even if nobody else did. You asshole, but I love you! And I'm so happy that you finally get to spend your lives together and free. But I do hope you visit more" she said as she tried to wipe off a tear.
Lena looked around and handed the mic over to Torborjn and Jack instinctively pulled John closer to us in case he needed to censor anything.
" I met this young, muscled man when he first joined overwatch, I knew about Angela previously because she had worked on my arm before, sending over how nano-whatever could help. Jack, yer a stubborn but strong man who always knew how to lead recruits, so it's no surprise when you went off to recruit her that you brought her back and had her as your girlfriend within a few months. Long. Agonizing months leading up to it though. I remember one day he nearly took off his hand just to visit the medical unit. Which is hilarious for us, because they technically all shared an office together anyways. Yeh never showed interest in anything other than cows and leadership until she showed up in her knee high boots and miniskirts" he let out a laugh as I nearly blushed.
" they weren't that short" Jack said.
"Short enough for those of us with active imaginations anyways! Ow!" He said as Ingrid smacked his arm teasingly.
" As the others have said, these two were meant to be" he sat down with a huff as Ana stole the mic from him.
" I'm probably the last person you want to hear from, but you two have a way of picking up the broken parts of each other and making it better. Adding Angela to the team proved to be changeling but despite Jack's constant surveillance of her, he never screwed up a mission or let her get in the way. They are synchronized, the other halves of each other, even when apart the line they drew to each other was strong. I've never witnessed two people go through so much to stay together and grow stronger, I've also never met two more compassionate people on this planet, who somehow never stop caring. So my advice to you is nothing. Enjoy yourselves if I have to say something" she passed off the mic to Genji who anxiously looked at us both.
" I know, I'm not the best speaker. I hate— I hate this kind of thing. But I love them both. Uhm" he looked at Hanzo who nodded.
" Angela and Jack pulled me from a dumpster, and saved my life. Their unity during my healing process helped pull more strings and got me more enhancements than I'd expect. Everyone has touched on their unity, compassion and forgiveness. Well—-
I was with her during those years without him. When she would basically talk to a ghost constantly. I tried to talk her out of it, because ... you don't like to see your friends in pain. But she was convinced he was still out there, and I didn't believe her but she was so happy when she had her own form of ' confirmation', and I couldn't understand how she could forgive him for that. Uhm. But then I remembered who she was, who I forgave in my own life that seemed impossible. That she forgave me after everything I put her through. So—- THAT'S them. They are this strange, but solid and never wavering bond. They constantly doubt if they are good enough for each other—- I mean. Who is good enough for either of them? The world finally realized that. They finally realized what they were missing out on all these years, a couple that truly could survive anything knowing they had each other, a couple who had endlessly led and fought, healed and brought together, people, countries, nations and probably planets. So I don't have advice. My advice is for people to remember what they went through that brought them here today, to remember how much they sacrificed to get here, how much they fought for and how much they saved, so that's my advice for everyone. To remember what they've done. And to give them a damn break" he said as Jack and I laughed.
Genji looked around to hand the mic to someone else but Jesse just called out " you said enough for the universe about them" and a small smattering of laughing.
" it's not that, I just remember that I told him he could kiss you" he said as I softly but sharply whispered " YOU WHAT?"
Jack shrugged and his mouth twitched into a smile as he lightly laughed
.
"Jack, did you get drunk last night? And are you drunk right now?" I asked quietly.
His hand covered his huge grin as he nodded and giggled. I leaned my head on his shoulder, trying to hold in my soft laughter.
" I guess I'll do the toast then. To Jack and Angela " said Genji as he raised his glass. Jack and I managed to pull ourselves together to raise our glasses. The tinkling of cups around the room, and John pushed his ginger ale against our champagne. Before we drank.
My forehead rested against Jack's once we drained our glasses and Lena smacked her glass indicating that we kiss, so we did that a few times.
But now we had to throw the flowers that I completely forgot to carry.
" you didn't want to do the garter right?" Jack asked.
" mmmm no thank you, I don't think there would be any remotely appropriate way for that to be done with how this dress is. Mei really got it up my leg" I said.
" well, that's just more fun for later" he whispered in my ear as he stroked my back.
" don't tease me" I said as he handed me the flowers.
" I would never" he replied before kissing me.
A bunch of people gathered behind me and when I tossed it into the air and turned. I saw one flower land smack on Jackrat's head and the other was nearly tackled down by Hana.
Genji nudged his brother and Junkrat admired the rose.
" I did it!" Yelled Hana.
" good job" said Lena.
" what did I win?" Hana asked.
" it means you are getting married next" said Mei with a giggle.
" what!" She squeaked as she nearly dropped them.
" oh it's not all that bad!" Lúcio shouted.
Hana blushed and sheepishly walked back to him.
People were either finishing cake, drinking or dancing.
I kissed Jack before John dragged me back out with him and Mei.
Ingrid and Torbjorn joined in, but I saw Ana hanging on the sidelines and pulled her in.
Eventually Jack came over to pick up half asleep John.
" someone's going back to the hotel with his grandparents" Jack said as he held him up to give me goodnight kisses.
" I love you mommy" he yawned.
" I love you too" I whispered before kissing his cheek.
I walked over with Jack to his parents, we thankfully had a photo earlier because the exhaustion is visible. I'm thrilled they were able to find someone to help on the farm for the evening.
Jack tried to get them more time but they refused the offer.
" welcome to the family" his mom said as she kissed my cheek.
" even if calling me mom is too painful, the option is out there for you, same goes for him" she said.
" I don't think mom works for both of us" his dad said.
" you!" His mother smacked his arm and they said goodnight again to us.
I flopped into Jack's lap once he sat down, taking the bottle I was working on earlier with me.
" you having fun?" He asked as he lightly kissed my neck.
" with you? Always" I said after taking a sip, but he kissed directly behind my ear, his warm breath making me buzz in euphoria.
" we have a ton of rooms here actually. So a lot of people are staying here. But weeeeee have our own little cottage up the mountain" he said.
" with bears?"
" of course, I called in a favor" he teased.
" hey it's my two favorite Overwatch people" Lúcio said as he nearly fell into the chair adjacent to us.
" whose running the— oh " I said as I looked over at Hana.
" she's learning, I figured I'd take a moment to congratulate the two of you" he said with a big drunk grin.
" thank you" we said in unison.
" Jack you should really take your wife on the floor again" Lúcio said.
" yes, please!" I said as I tried to stand on my own, but Jack had to gently push me up and then stand along with me.
I could see he was still drunk.
A/N: Apologies for cutting it off here, it was over 16,000 words and i wasn't going to post that long of a chapter, I figured i owed the wedding a bit more of this.
I am sorry if this wasn't how anyone pictured this or if it wasn't good. But thank you for reading. Extra shoutouts to : CyborgNinja777, jfm76,ayumiiishinozakiii, dragontear365, Trokxy, TheMdogs, robot584, Kirabeta,Chaosdynasty,and L0rdOfThEMemes