Jack's POV:
I was enamored with her smile and the way she dragged me back out to the floor.
Her soft curls brushing my cheek when I kissed her, the soft skin on her back as I pulled her closer. I tried so hard to make today perfect and the only thing I can keep focus is on her and her happiness which makes my entire day perfect. She laughed as Lúcio and Hana bumped into us when she tried to direct me.
" I can't, I'm all feet, no moves" I said with a laugh.
" I still love dancing with you" she said as she melted my heart.
The limited staff had been dismissed as it was just us and our group staying here overnight. It's a glorified lodge. Old but with a lot of rustic charm. Some would head back to the hotels, but the majority staying here, the plan is to drag Angela off to the little cabin up the hill soon. Angela held out my arm for a spin and I tried to help but she was so distracted by the beadwork. Her cheeks a flushed pink as she smiled at me.
" I think we will be heading up for the night, let us know if you need any assistance" Reinhardt said.
" behave yourselves, actually. Don't" Ana said with a wink.
We thanked them and a few others for coming. Junkrat was passed out in a corner while Hanzo tried to wake him up by lighting a match, and it worked!
Angela leaned up to kiss my neck and I squeezed her tightly. The entire day was perfect.
" where is our room?" She whispered.
" ha! I told you, we have to go fight bears and then we will be there" I said.
" can't we send someone else out to fight the bears?" She asked.
" Unfortunately no" I said, touching her spine.
Then the gears clicked, she's tired.
" you want to get out of here?" I asked.
" no and yes" she said in a hushed voice.
The party was wrapping up anyways, so we quickly said our good nights to those hanging about. We stepped out into the snow. The fresh powder on the ground. Angela was swearing in German as the cold touched her toes in her sparkly shoes. I scooped down to get the loop of her train that she dropped and handed it to her.
" I'm going to carry you" I said as I swept her up.
" but isn't this uphill? " she asked.
" Only a bit, besides, my shoes have tread" I said as I adjusted her in my arms.
The snow was falling heavier now and her little heel prints were already covered. As I walked the snow weighed down heavier.
" how far is it exactly?" She asked with a tinge of tension in her voice.
" It's really not that far" I said as I followed the trail.
" This seems further than expected" She said.
" Well, I am taking my time to avoid slipping" I replied.
" Hey, so I—" came a voice in the nearly white out in the dark night.
" shit" I yelled, almost dropping Angela who already reached into my coat for my pistol.
" easy! Just me! Met up with a pal of yours—- I'm not here to cause any problems. Got a few photos, none with your son in them. Don't worry" Sombra said quickly.
I could feel my heart pounding and Angela's chest was heaving. It's so fucking beautiful- wait... SOMBRA!?
" how the fuck did—"
" don't worry about that. I have information, I'm finally ready to turn myself in, and I don't trust anyone other than you two" she said.
" on our wedding night?" Angela nearly shrieks as she wiggles out of my arms and into the snow. Her trigger control is still unflinching.
" yeah, I liked the level of security here, it's better than on base anywhere. Remote—- I like it. It works" she said.
" can—- can we just please worry about this in the morning!?"
" you already have a kid, it's not like—- anyways. "
" no! No! Anyways! Anything we do for you would be a favor. And we owe you nothing. Have owed you nothing and will continue to owe you—- nothing! You come here on our wedding day to suddenly have some great ' apology' " Angela had such a sarcastic tone. Fucking hell, she's already making me practically melt but her dominance is just so sexy.
" look! Do you want to completely dismantle Talon and have them locked up for good or not?" She asked with a sharp eyebrow raise.
" fuuuuuuuuck" we collectively groaned.
" that's what I thought. And boy are they ever pissed at you, and the los muertos gang. And a few others. You dismantled the majority. But—- "
" we know—- come on" I said with a frustrated sigh.
" you should be thanking me, I had to keep scrubbing all info about where the wedding would be off the internet. You really should find more competent staff" Sombra said as she walked.
Angela still had the gun pointed at her and I slowly helped her lower her arms and took it back from her.
" here's the statement. It's all on this drive, I'll record another bit as you know I need witnesses—- two hours max" she said pausing to make sure we were following her.
" great" I mumbled, I scooped Angela back up and we continued into the snowy night. Sombra cloaked herself again but her footprints would show up.
" sorry angel" I whispered.
She just sighed and whispered " of course this would happen".
I nodded and laughed as we finally made it to the little cabin. I set Angela down to unlock the door, and carried her inside. Luckily nothing was spotted around the cabin and no prints inside. I surveyed the room anyways and Angela was already trying to lay on the couch but her dress was preventing her from doing anything.
" I'm sorry did you want to change into anything more comfortable?" Sombra asked.
" ha!" Angela replies as she straightens herself and sits upright on the couch. She'd lost the veil at some point. But the halo remained. She looked stunning as I started the little fireplace and kicked off my shoes before helping her with hers.
Then I had to set up my phone as a camera and cleared off the table of various snacks and alcohol.
But I handed the white wine to Angela, after opening it.
I sat down at the table with Sombra and read her her rights and when she accepted and confirmed we went ahead with the interview.
After the first twenty minutes of getting down things I had previously known, Angela was wiggling around and waving.
I had to ignore her for a moment but she tiptoed over and grabbed my hand and made scratching motions as I scratched her back around the edges of the dress while Sombra tried to keep a straight face.
" if you need to do what you need to do then—"
" no" Angela grunted once she was done being scratched.
She tiptoed back to the couch and I could focus again while Angela was messing with her phone and basically getting a bit drunker than I expected.
This is absolutely not what I wanted to do tonight. But it's important and will tie up any loose ends I missed. Hell, that we all missed.
" war starter? How did that come to be" I asked Sombra.
She smiled and drummed her fingers on the table.
" I'm always stirring this shit up, I didn't purposefully want to start a bunch of this—- bunch i ended up indirectly being involved. I did what I could to fix it, by helping break out Angela, but that was probably the only good thing I had done—- besides the whole stealing from huge corporations to give back to poorer communities"
" that can be dealt with later, that's not really a huge concern here—- i would appreciate it if you'd lead off with the missing Talon underground, Max... a few others" I said.
Angela let out a loud sigh and I opened another bottle for her and she tiptoed over to get it.
This interview was revealing even more than I expected, Sojourn would be shocked— but the fact that she has shown me so many different transfers, a complicated web that tied everyone to Talon, the UN we dealt with. That was our main victory. But this was cleaning up the warmongers, and I couldn't believe the information she was proving.
Finally once we had everything Sombra looked like she was having second thoughts. I know that look, I hate that look. I'm exhausted, I want to have a perfect wedding night and now that is virtually ruined.
But Sombra agreed to stay at the lodge down the hill. We'd take her in tomorrow and then head out on our actual honeymoon that I arranged earlier.
As I locked the door after her I noticed the footage might be missing, I was supposed to upload it to Sojourn.
Fucking. Sombra! But why?!
" you look upset?" Angela said softly.
" I think she tricked us again" I said.
" with?"
" I don't think the tape is still here" I said as I fumbled with the storage on my phone. I knew I should have sent it via satellite.
" ha, I have it all here" Angela said with a mischievous grin.
I let out a long sigh, trying not to sound frustrated but I'm not in the mood for a joke. But I heard Sombra's voice coming from Angela's phone.
" you—- brilliant! Wonderful!" I started to spout out compliments.
" you can thank me, by helping me out of this dress!" She whispered as I got closer.
" I will, just let me back this up and send this off and kiss you" I said before twirling her around and kissing her.
" fine" she said with a pout.
I did what I said I would, and then turned all my attention to her, slowly leading her into the bedroom and turning on all the little lights.
" oh this is magical" she whispered.
" Just like you" I said as I kissed down her neck.
She was making quick work of my clothes while I struggled to figure out how to release her from this dress.
Eventually finding the long row of hooks under the beads, the tiny little clasps nearly impossible.
" This is probably the least sexy thing to remove" Angela said with a sigh.
" Anything on you is sexy and this dress has been driving me crazy all day" I said as I kissed her lower back before getting a few more hooks done so she could get out of it.
" and I'm covered in marks!" She said as she wiggles out of the top of it.
" That looks really painful" I said as I lightly touched one of the red markings and she hissed.
" I'm just relieved to be out of it" she said as she turned to face me. Her bare chest then pressed to mine as she leaned up to kiss me. The bottom half of her dress is still attached to her.
" I think maybe a bath would be the best way to unwind" I whispered as I rubbed her shoulders.
Then slowly turned her, pulling her into a long kiss, my hand slid into the intricate dress and pushed it down to reveal the most delicate panties I had ever seen. I began to kiss down her body, she began to tremble so I lifted her onto the bed.
But a rapid pounding at the door interrupted everything.
" maybe we should just—- reschedule. We have our 'vacation'" she said in air quotes.
I grunted and nodded, throwing my undershirt back on and showing her where the suitcase was so she could put on clothes.
I'm miserable. One huge day, one huge mass reveal from Sombra as well. I should feel on top of the world. But our first big night together was ruined.
" hey—-" she whispered.
" yeah?"
" we've dealt with worse, this is important. You've made this entire day a fantasy. Don't worry about anything" she whispered.
I kissed her, before leaving to check the door, my weapon pointed through the doors.
" Just me, " Sojourn says.
" it's Sojourn" I called out to Angela and she let out a sigh.
I opened the door to let her in and handed over my phone immediately.
" you do know what this means for us? For the world right?"
" yes—"
" so you sent it and didn't think I'd want to get over here ASAP!?" She asked.
" it's been a long couple of days, I'm rather drunk, but accomplished—"
" oh I know. I heard it on the way over. I'd leave out the drunk part but eh. It showed you are competent either way. And, what was that video? Was it filmed by Angela? But DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?" She was nearly hopping around.
" I don't think the full gravity has hit me, because I'm used to having these thoughts and having them ignored from every higher up etc" I said as I slumped into my seat. I offered her whiskey and she accepted it.
"but yes, Sombra tried to delete the recording she consented to me doing, but didn't realize Angela was recording the entire thing" I said with a slight chuckle.
Angela came out of the room wearing yoga pants and a loose sweater.
" hey! Want to join in the second celebration tonight?" Sojourn asked her.
Angela nodded and came over, sitting on my lap because it's really only built for two people in here.
We toasted and Sojourn congratulated us on our wedding.
" I'm not going to sugarcoat this, I am sorry about tonight, but I mean—- you already have one kid and this is just a ridiculous tradition right? "
" yeah sure... we've only given the majority of our lives serving the country and world first. Goodness forbid if I want to have sex with my wife while a file uploads" I said bluntly.
" And I want to add, I had no idea if it was sent or not because—- Sombra" I said.
" And can't fully trust because Sombra" Angela added.
" yeah but you two deserve better than a quickie on your wedding night. So I'll make this up to you, I mean. That sounds wrong. Overwatch will pay for your honeymoon—- once this case is settled"
" oh great" I said as I buried my face in my hands.
Angela rubbed my back while she snuggled against me. Her nose pressed against my shoulder.
" Sorry, we are extremely tired, so if you want to take her tonight, fine with us. But can we atleast—"
" sleep on the quinjet? Yes. We will seal off an area, but we gotta get you out of here. John will be fine, absolute promise. Your parents already have your old friends watching them. So that's settled already"
" so you called them but not us?"
" I couldn't reach either of you" Sojourn said.
I groaned as I lifted Angela up and we repacked the bag and Angela put on her boots.
" I need someone to pack up this dress later" Angela said.
" can't just put it in the suitcase?" Sojourn asked.
" no, it needs a bag. I don't have the bag" Angela grumbled.
" Alright, I'll put Genji on it later" Sojourn said as Angela gently laid it out on the bed. I felt a pang of regret. I didn't have to listen to Sombra, we could be enjoying ourselves right now instead. But who am I trying to fool at this point? This job is me. This job is us.
We followed her into the snow that was only getting deeper. Angela had to hop through it back to the jet where Sombra was waiting and looked furious. The cuffs were specially designed for her, so none of her bending matter magic would work for her quick escape routine.
A few of the crew clapped when they saw us and we just thanked them and took our seats.
" It really is a rather perfect day" Angela whispered.
It's true. This information would lead to a lot of horrible mass killers being locked away, smaller organizations are easier to wipe out than decades old crime networks. The information Sombra gave us isn't something to be taken lightly at all.
The crew kept randomly looking over at us, I know we are well known, but it's still unnerving. Until Angela started giggling into my shoulder. Everything was mostly quiet except for her little adorable laughter, which led to me giggling when she tried explaining how ridiculous the entire day has been. Her wedding makeup still hasn't budged, so it was rather hysterical, then again, i've seen her in the most beautiful gowns tending to wounded patients before. Nothing has ever stopped her when it came to her job or loyalty... fuck. Now i'm laughing harder with her, everyone is looking confused or trying to be polite and ignoring the spectacle we are.
"feel like clueing us in?" Sojourn asked with a laugh.
"this is bizarre! " Angela says with a giggle. Eventually we were able to calm down, and snuggle in the uncomfortable chairs and nap.
We woke up to news articles with our wedding photos plastered on them, accolades listed. Thankfully none of John made it into the press.
It was surreal, especially the giant facility we could enter to stay. The UN.
My entire body was shaking but Angela's calm and collected presence was making me feel at ease. She kissed my cheek as she walked through the marble halls and into the meeting room that I had been in so many times debriefed, discussed options and solutions. Strategize the best form of attack, Angela was half asleep when they finally led us to the quarters we would be staying in. It was a nice room, shower with bath, mini kitchen.
" don't worry, less than 24 hours and we will be out of here" I said to my exhausted wife.
She looked up at me with her tired eyes and pushed me back into the bed, we slept for hours. The only thing waking us up was the sun rising through the blinds.
I can't believe we got married less than 12 hours ago but—- it's been a wild ride.
We sat up and Angela tried to brush a curl out of her face but it just flopped back. She let out a laugh and stumbled into the bathroom. I could hear her rinsing off.
" can I join!" I called out.
" The door was left open for a reason" she replied.
We went through our routine, then I hopped out and we filled the tub while making out for a while. Her soft wet body was irresistible. I waited years when I left, so I can wait, even with her warm body in front of me smiling. As tempting as this would be, we are still here on official business, and while we've definately had sex in places that were probably unprofessional, we both had the similar 'let's just wait'. Once we finished showering together, we got dressed and headed over to the meeting.
" I know this probably wasn't in your plans, with the new house and all—" Akande was saying but Angela was shaking her head furiously.
" what?" I said to her.
She let out a frustrated sigh and asked the room for a minute. Her face was filled with frustration as she led me into the hall.
" what?!" I asked again.
"It's not finalized and it's a surprise. I—- May have reasoned with your parents on the farm. I may have—- uhm. You wanted them to retire so—-" Angela was fidgeting and anxious and it took a while for the words to click in my brain but my immediate reaction was lifting her up and spinning her around.
" you aren't angry?" She said opening her eyes.
" I'm overjoyed. I'm thrilled!" I said kissing her cheeks while she giggled.
" I wanted it to be a surprise" she said with a slight pout.
" Oh it's a surprise" I said as I kissed her cheeks and lips over again.
I honestly cannot believe she did that, or that my parents agreed to it, but my father is too old to be running around on a farm.
I kissed her and squeezed her hand before we went back inside.
" I am sorry if I inadvertently spoiled a surprise" Akande said.
" It was a surprise, but I suppose it's better to find out now than later" Angela stated trying to hide her disappointment.
" well you may want to curb that enthusiasm because we have an offer for you —" he said.
"After careful consideration, I want you to lead this mission to completion " he said.
" what" we both sputtered.
" You heard me" he replied.
" I don't know what to say" I said immediately as I looked at Angela who looked back at me.
" Of course we will take over this" I said with certainty.
Sojourn was beaming brightly and so was the entire room, but I felt their disappointment at our initial rejection. There's just been a lot happening in the past 12 hours that I need time to process.
" of course, do you have any questions?" He asked.
Angela's POV:
He's actually considering it, right when I was finally willing to just reside on a farm and try for a grant to continue my studies. I still cannot believe his parents agreed to my offer on the farm. But they wanted it to remain in the family, and with their limited family around it wasn't looking too bright until that.
I pulled the cuffs of my sleeves over my hands and hugged my sides for a moment before returning one hand to him.
" so you need help deciding how to capture these leads?" Jack asked. I glanced over at him and could see that old glimmer of him returning, I love all versions of him, even depressed him, because that's just another form and side of himself.
But confident Jack, that is a beautiful thing . He began to explain various points and strategies, how it would all need to be various strike teams heading in at exact times. It needs to be infallible, it needs to happen as soon as possible. But our numbers are limited, and those trusted per region—- not so much. But getting rid of security for our family opens them up to that was being ironed out, I was just sitting back and watching it all get sorted while I dreamed of cake or something. Eventually they came to an agreement, we had to push back our honeymoon and return home. Beyond that? I don't know.
But within the hour we were on a flight back home. I slept on Jack's shoulder the entire flight, he was awake and writing out his plans again and again until they felt correct. We had tons of equipment that was being transported with us, a secret communication system, trackers, things I've never seen before. So the landing and secretive loading into the shed was surreal. John was inside the house with his grandparents while everyone worked undercover. I guess the only way Jack feels safe and that he can protect us is by orchestrating it from afar. I could see the light in his blue eyes, the light way he kissed me whenever he walked by, I was just sitting around waiting for the clear to go into the house and act normal. But this was going so fast.
" Ready darling" he said as he swept me up and carried me into the house.
His parents called out from the kitchen, and we met them in there as Jack set me down.
" how was it!?" They asked.
" Maybe later" I said as I slumped down into a chair after hugging them and kissing John.
We were given fresh cups of coffee and I nearly cried receiving the warm liquid.
There was snow swirling outside and wind howling, John and I snuggled on the couch under a cozy knitted blanket while watching cartoons. Jack was in the shed, setting things up. Eventually I walked out with a thermos for him, the wind biting my nose. The advanced set up was markedly impressive. He was proud leading me around each screen and map, I could see the trackers on our friends from above. It was all exciting. Jack looked so thrilled, I couldn't contain my excitement for him and squeezed him tightly.
" how are you feeling about all of this?" I asked him into his chest.
" I feel terrified, scared! But also confident that we can manage one of the biggest takedowns—- I just. I didn't think. I didn't think all of this would have led to this!" He said.
It's been a lot, the years of hiding, curating people we can trust and it all comes down to this very exhilarating moment. I could see our friends assembling in various parts of the world. Lúcio and Hana involved in another manor of distraction and drawing people out. The way this was all planned was sheer brilliance.
" I'll leave you to it" I said as I squeezed his hand.
" you don't get to leave, unless of course you want too—- I want you by my side for this" he said.
So I sat in the chair next to him, watching as each screen would light up and change, and getting seriously excited for him.
" I can't believe this is actually happening" he whispered.
" well, you deserve it, Commander" I whispered and he didn't flinch, he smiled.
—-
The comms were buzzing, we had coffee and snacks to keep us focused, we had Ana and Reinhardt capturing Abdul Hakim, Hanzo and Genji on Guillermo Portero, Lúcio and Hana creating distraction enough to annoy Trung a
Le Nguyen out for Sojourn to take her in, Lena, Fareeha and Torbjorn bringing in some heads of the Los Muertos, along with Bastion which was unexpected but again, Torbjorn and him have learned to bond.
Each person moving towards their target at once, massive ambush style. It took hours to get them all unnoticed to these locations, disguised etc. and we had secured enough air space to effectively knock out any chance at interference.
The clocks were going and Jack squeezed my hand before ordering the go ahead. The tension in the air palpable as we watched the body cams move to their targets. One by one, each one caught completely off guard, there was almost no struggle, no chance to call for backup—- nothing.
It wasn't easy, and the fact that it was handled and pulled off was immensely impressive. Almost never done were tandem takedowns around the world. Everyone was briefed on questions that would be fed to our secure servers. Backed up in multiple regions to prevent loss.
I took a sip of coffee and watched Jack with complete pride on my face. He was so intense and focused, but his face was beaming.
How the hell was all of this pulled off?
We watched as each respective lead was carted into the concealed flyers and flown out. One by one, within moments of each other... to be able to pull all of this off was... incredible.
During the flights to get them, Jack and Sojourn had compiled lists of questions for them to do on the rides back, being in pairs made it easier. Hanzo and Genji aren't the best interrogators but it's what we are working with.
The audio feeds each being linked back, the precise wording made it nearly impossible for them to weasel out of. But it didn't matter much, because once it all crumbles then they have nothing left and that's exactly what was being done.
I refilled Jack's cup and he thanked me, never pulling his eyes off the screen.
We spent a few more hours out there until each made it to their designated holding cells all at different locations. Jack double checked before letting me head back inside with his family, but the entire place was outfitted with even more advanced security than before.
I got to snuggle with John before bed and talk with Jack's parents for a while. Gathering a food basket before delivering it over to the shed.
Jack knew I was coming and still flinched, I set the food next to him and kissed his temple.
" You can't watch all of these at once" I whispered.
" I can, and hold a conversation with you" he said.
I made a face I knew he wouldn't see but forgot about the reflective screen. He chuckled, I handed him a sandwich that he devoured in no time.
" You don't have to stay out here all night" he said.
" and neither do you" I replied.
" I'm the lead on this—- so—"
" right" I responded.
" but I love having you here, so it's up to you" he said.
" The second set of eyes and ears never hurt" I stated as I secured the headset he handed me. All of this very old, wired and connected to make it harder to hack.
For hours we listened to some of them refusing to give up anything, until the evidence was presented, considering the massive crimes and how it's handled, lawyers are only permitted for sentencing. Not for advice, some say it isn't fair, but when it's people who have murdered, undeniable evidence, there's no kind solution. Instead it's taking what you can to stop further attacks.
So we waited, some cracked, some accepted they were not leaving.
Either way, the leaders were gone and the second or third in command in some cases weren't remotely good enough. But their associates were nervous, stocks going out of control once the news got out. Furthering the trail of their criminal activity. One would think seasoned criminals would know better, but instead there are leads and crumbs everywhere.
I brewed some more coffee and refreshed his cup, my lips kissing his temple after I set the cup down. But he pulled me onto his lap and kissed me, his hands pulling me closer to him.
"Don't you—" I tried to say but he was going down my neck and my thoughts went away.
" Nothing I can do right now, it's all recording and sending everywhere most of them clamming up" he said.
The screens were slowly turning off and in the glow of the monitors he kept going, slowly removing my shirt and kissing his way down my body. The cold air hitting my body at the same time his warmth washed over me.
" I fear I'm underdressed for such an occasion" I said as my voice hitched when he lightly bit my hip. His hand pulling me down with him.
It was a wonderful evening, he put me in complete control, and enjoyed every single moment of it. Our warm but soon freezing bodies practically steaming in the cold shed.
" fuck it's cold, we are going inside—- unfortunately not for round three—"
" four" I corrected him.
" fuck—" he breathed with a soft laugh.
" You've still got it" I said with a wink as he laughed while finding our clothes.
Eventually we packed up the spare information deposits and brought them inside after quadruple locking the barn.
The alarms around the house, old and outdated but unhackable, and we collapsed onto the couch. Not bothering to pull anything out, just laying on top of his chest and feeling his chin against my forehead as we cuddled. He would absently kiss me every so often on the temple. One hand on the side and one holding his phone on my chest so we could share the screen for any notifications.
' got it' was all Adawe said. But a few minutes later a call from him that Jack put on speaker, he highlighted the success, how critical everything was, how incredibly detailed Jack's planning was and basically lavished him in praise the entire time before making us both pause.
" could you repeat that?" Jack asked as his throat caught his words, the rigidity of his spine, the stoic stature he usually had before everything horrible was returning.
" I know you heard me, but I'll repeat it. We want you to be in charge again, both of you. We've beaten around the bush with this for years, but it's been proven that while your methods can be unconventional at times, you have always been the person we've needed during times like these. You've single handedly cleaned up mess after mess for decades. We owe more to you than this. But this is what we can offer you, it's been in our plans this entire time and now we wanted to finally say it, now that without a doubt, time and time again, John Morrison, you are an exceptional agent, an exceptional leader and a damn good soldier to boot"
Jack's face was registering a thousand emotions at once.
" I'll give you time to think over your decision" Adawe said before adding " magnificent work today, go get some rest, take the wife somewhere nice and think this over, goodnight Morrisons" and with that the phone went off.
He still didn't move, as if frozen in shock, but I could see his eyes flickering with tears, his mouth twitching from frown, too happy to be perplexed.
I feel relieved, this is something he needed to hear for himself, how valuable he is, and how good of a person he is. I don't know if he's ready to process it fully, I slowly got up and walked over to him, he didn't register for a moment, but then he swooped down and crushed me into a hug. His body was pulsing with energy, anxious, happy, terror, joy, sorrow and relief. My hands locked behind his neck and his shaky breaths were in my ear.
I want so much for him to just say something but I know he's processing, hell, I'm processing the thought of it all. We wanted out, but was it resentment at our treatment publicly? The layers of emotion tied into this all. The majority of our biggest enemies are all behind bars for good. The freedom but also the dedication to our professional selves. I want to be a doctor again, that was my request before all of this, getting that taken away on top of losing Jack was absolute devastation.
" fuck" he whispered after what seems like such a long time between the call ending and now.
" what are you thinking?" I asked him as he slowly set me back down on my feet, my toes brushing the floor, then slowly settling me there.
His blue eyes full of concern searched my face, I was probably clearly looking thrilled while he looked less than.
" what are YOU thinking?" He rebuffed.
" I really want to be a doctor again, even if it's just in title, and with a small lab that we can just stick in the shed, or a shed? Is that the word? Shed?" I suddenly became aware of my pronunciation.
" whatever you want" he replied with a slight nod.
" no, that isn't how this works—"
His hands clasped mine as he held them in his rough ones, and kissed them.
" I want you to be happy" he whispered into my hands.
I love that he is offering this to me, but I want this to be a whole thing together.
" This is for us to decide together, well— including John" I said softly.
" so I'll brew coffee then?" He asked.
" Probably the best idea" I said as I followed him into the kitchen.
The soft light made me feel almost dizzy, too much to process at once. But once the coffee was ready and we buried our faces into oversized mugs. Once we get delirious from exhaustion and caffeine is when our realest ideas come out. He looked over at me with an almost goofy smile as his head rested in his palm.
" I want to do what is best for you and our son, and I thought I wanted out. I think I do want out—" he mumbled.
" we could always try it, if it doesn't work we can leave—- regardless we won't be criminals or wanted anymore"
" it's not at all the offer I was expecting" his voice is strained, his muscles twitched in his neck, beckoning me to loosen them.
I quietly got up and began to work on the knots in his shoulders, his soft groaning was so alluring, the entire situation was already too much.
" I think we need to honeymoon and decide. A nice time to clear our heads, get some perspective, and decide what is best... yes?" He grunted.
" that's the best option" I whispered as I kissed behind his ear. The little tremble shuddered his body.
" but we need sleep, and doctor Ziegler Morrison..." he said with a smirk.
" mhmm?"
" I love you, thank you for sticking by me" he said softly before scooping me up again and carrying me back to the couch.
We fell asleep rather quickly, yet he somehow got up before me. I could hear him quietly talking to his parents about the job offers and they were shocked we didn't accept immediately.
" that's been— your whole life's work, both of you—" his dad sputtered flabbergasted at our predicament.
" We just wanted some quiet, some time to get ourselves adjusted"Jack replies with a yawn.
" they've been through a lot, all of them. And if they return to work then when will they give us more grand babies?!" His mom complained.
" they had no trouble finding time the first time, I'm sure they will figure that out" his dad said with a laugh.
I like hearing their honesty. I like hearing Jack discuss the future of our careers with others because it's good to get reactions. But I just wanted my title, he wanted respect.
" Yeah that's—- not something on the table right now" Jack said letting out a sigh.
His eyes caught mine and he quickly corrected his statement by saying " I wasn't sighing because it's not on the table, I was sighing because we've talked about this and I love and respect that you want us to have more kids, but that is our—"
" Decision, I just like reminding you that none of us are getting any younger" his mother looked adamant.
I'm just hoping for medical work on John, I rarely think about having another child. One was more than I ever expected... we are rather career oriented and I'm a medical mess that shouldn't—- no, I just. Emotionally cannot imagine putting another child through what John has gone through.
We don't talk about this, maybe Jack is too worried that I won't want another one? Maybe I don't? John was more than a surprise. I remember feeling horrible and just randomly doing a self checkup when I noticed my elevated I remember the nausea wave that took over while I ran the actual test at our flat, he was gone that night, normally I would stay on base but I needed to be secure and unregistered as I ran the kit.
I cried the entire night. Jack tried calling and I didn't answer, everything was spiraling; we had wars, he was stressed. Reyes was going against his orders. Nothing was working out, I couldn't tell him.
—
" Angel?" Jack whispered as he rubbed my hand, I looked at him as his face came into focus.
" I didn't mean to stress you out, I'm so sorry" his mother said as she patted my other hand.
The light seemed brighter, and my head was pounding.
" what?" I mumbled as Jack's father moved a glass of water onto the table in front of me.
" You were just not saying anything and shaking" Jack said as he ran the back of his hand down my cheek.
" I was just thinking—- it's fine. I am fine" I said as I waved my hand dismissively. I sipped the water to satisfy their need to feel useful.
" I'm just going to take her to lie down on the couch" Jack said.
" I'm fine! I just —- " I waved my hands frantically trying to find the words.
" I was in a thought— you know me" I said.
" thoughts don't normally make you shake" he said.
" when you are running on two hours of sleep they do" I said.
" you must be exhausted, I am sorry again for bringing up things, I just love having John here and you of course" his mother kissed my cheek and patted my hand again.
" It's honestly fine" I replied.
Trying to reassure them but they seem so concerned so I just got up and went to the couch to lie down to ease their anxieties.
A/N : I went through a lot in this chapter. As you can probably tell. Anyways, I'm sorry this isn't up to the old standard I had. Thank you for reading this. Thank you to those you stuck around for whatever reason.
Special thanks to: jfm76, ayumiiishinozakiii, robot584, dragontear365, Chaosdynasty, Trokxy, CyborgNinja777, TheMdogs, Kirabeta,and L0rdOfThEMemes