Mercy

Their departure was early the next morning. With the mission outline reviewed thoroughly, Angela had made sure to get plenty of rest the night before. Even with Fareeha as her bodyguard, she had to be completely ready for anything within the restrictions presented by the convention they would be attending. Fareeha was being trusted with a mission generally relayed to that of the Master class or higher. Only due to Angela's preference and recommendation was she honoured with such a position beside the irreplaceable doctor. At once, Fareeha likely felt absurdly fortunate, but on the other hand, she surely had to admit to the pressure also building. She couldn't fail in protecting Angela. Talon had made it clear they wanted her, and any fool would assume the organization would use this formal presentation within Oasis as an opportunity to pull one of the few linchpins that held Overwatch's relevancy against Talon away. Fortunately, the airtight security, rules, and regulations in association with the presentation that restricted Overwatch's ability to send half a battalion to ensure Angela's safety applied to Talon as well. Both companies would have support in the wings, but in the hottest spot of the scenario, very few would be allowed to freely come and go.

It was raining, from what Angela could hear, while she waited for Fareeha to come get her in the early morning. They had barely seen one another since bidding goodnight and departing after a rather intense session of kissing and…a little more. Angela had so much prep to do in relation to her work with Widowmaker and anytime she left her office in general that there was almost no time for frivolous activity. Fareeha had – ever so sweetly – given the older woman her privacy, with only a couple of texts encouraging her and subtly hinting at missing her.

It made Angela swoon…which she thought she was far past being capable of doing.

And yet, Angela's chest felt heavy, and as she waited for Fareeha, a pressure built about her while she reviewed her own charts and data, the numbers collected from her long overdue maintenance on her nanomachines and physical condition as a whole not precisely idealistic.

As suspected, her body was not what it once was. The toll of relying so heavily on the nanomachines was beginning to rear its ugly head, and the fact she had been so recently mortally wounded helped matters little. To think she was once capable of reviving an entire group of nearly dead soldiers with a sweep of her hands so easily. She truly was ethereal then. Now, she questioned the ability to bring even one dying individual back successfully. At this rate, how much time did she have before the spasm that prevented her from truly enjoying Fareeha's welcomed aggression became a regular addition to her everyday functions? Angela looked barely over twenty, but she understood her body better than anyone else, and she had legitimate concerns going forward. So long as she wasn't severely hurt again she may see a couple more decades easily in her current state, but even that was far below her projected conclusions when initiating the experiment in the first place.

A soft knock startled Angela up, and she pushed some hair behind her ear, her heart fluttering at the thought of who was finally here to see her. She decided to wear a somewhat large, maroon sweater that showed just a little bit of her left shoulder with black leggings. It was fun ordering clothes for herself and imagining Fareeha's reaction to them. The shipping time, due to the proximity of some of the outlets, was hardly a day as well. In fact, Angela had managed to procure quite the dress for the upcoming event; one she looked forward to showing off to a certain individual, as silly as she felt imagining as much.

Angela went to the door, giggling a little as she turned on the intercom.

'Who is it?'

"Um…Fareeha."

'Fareeha? The Fareeha Amari? The same Fareeha who quickly rose in the ranks of Overwatch after just joining and now is my assigned bodyguard? Goodness! Isn't this sort of mission usually reserved for only the best?'

"…Yes."

Angela held in her laughter, going on.

'My. To think I would finally meet you. I must say, I'm rather nervous. I'm told you're quite intimidating and fierce. Is this true?'

"I can be."

Angela bit her lip, leaning against the door with her back and finding much joy in the teasing. It eased her so.

'Truly? How frightening! But I've also been told, by many a young man, that you are also somewhat dashing, capable of making both men and women sigh in admiration. Is this also true?'

"I don't know about that, but I do know there is only one person I wish to cause any such reaction in."

'Ah! A crush? How charming! And who is this lucky soul, might I ask?'

"Er…You, Angela."

'Heheheh!' Angela laughed loudly, opening her door and beaming with her hands behind her back. 'You're so honest, Fareeha, it's positively adorable.'

'Why must you toy with me?' Fareeha grinned, leaning against the doorway and standing tall over Angela, her army tag dangling about her chest. She was keeping her attire functional, committing to a simple, black tank top and some stressed jeans that looked too good considering how simple the outfit was.

Angela reached up and grabbed at the woman's shirt, not believing just how calm she felt in the other girl's presence. How the world didn't seem so lonely anymore. How Fareeha had inserted herself as an individual Angela struggled to live without for only a few days.

'Here…?' Fareeha asked in consideration.

'Here.' Angela answered, kissing her softly, and drinking in the sensation of the woman's strong yet gentle lips. She shivered once the brief exchange was complete, and backed away a little, unconsciously glancing outside her room to see if any guards had noticed the interaction from afar.

'I've missed you, Angela. Very much. I trained a large amount with Brigitte, whom I think likes me enough, but I thought about you often.'

'Well, I've been rather busy, so, the hours simply flew by for me, personally.' Angela continued to jest, but the flash of disappointment that passed over Fareeha's powerful visage stabbed into Angela's chest, and she held Fareeha's waist hastily, looking up at her lovingly. 'I-I'm joking, Fareeha. Really. Why, I've never had so much trouble focusing on any given task. I've missed you severely as well. I doubt I've ever looked forward to a mission like this one before.'

'Oh. Good. I suppose I'm still gullible at times. Heheh.'

'Truly. You should know by now.'

'Know that you draw such pleasure from seeing me panic?'

'Exactly!'

'…You're right. I should expect it at this point.'

'See?' Angela tapped Fareeha's chest, standing close to the woman and wishing they had just a little more time to spend alone in that moment.

'You look very pretty, by the way.' Fareeha said suddenly, and Angela's face burned, forcing her back to hide the immediate reaction. How many men had told her as much and she barely bat an eye? What an astronomical difference. Human emotion was ever the fascinating subject for research.

'My thanks. You're as dashing as they say as well.' Angela attempted to recover, going to her small suitcase and wheeling it over. 'A pity it's raining. Makes for a rather dismal departure.'

'A little. The weather will be different in Iraq, however, and I hear Oasis has the ability to manipulate the environment to a degree as well. Sounds like quite the place! I've only read a bit about it, never thinking I would have reason to venture there, so I'm excited about the trip in that regard as well.'

'Agreed. The last time I was in Oasis was perhaps a decade ago, so, it will be riveting to see just how much the place has changed as well.'

'In any case,' Fareeha reached down and loaded Angela's suitcase under one of her arms, dragging the other behind her and bringing out an umbrella. 'Shall we?'

'You do not have to handle so much at once, Fareeha. I am capable of toting that silly thing around.'

'It would be my honour, Angela. I've built myself up to such tasks.'

Angela sighed, but knew that denying Fareeha the job would be more insulting than not, and therefore, moved in close to her, enjoying the quiet of the morning as they ventured out and to the loading bay. The umbrella was only required here and there, due to the way Overwatch Gibraltar was designed, but it was a nice excuse to stay so tightly next to Fareeha as they moved about. The rain pellets were powerful and made an incredible amount of noise upon the roofing. It was almost a little eerie, in a way.

'Will we have a pilot, or are you flying, Fareeha?'

'After the last incident I insisted on being the pilot. Is that alright?'

Angela smiled to herself, taking Fareeha's forearm in her hands and snuggling into her as they traversed closer to their current destination.

'Not at all. I could trust nobody more.'

'Heh. I do enjoy flying, so it only makes sense.'

'Indeed.'

A pause, and Angela could feel the sudden apprehension from her lovely companion before she even started speaking again.

'How…are you feeling, Angela? Are you doing well enough to be going on this mission?'

The implications were subtle enough, but obvious to Angela, and she at once was thankful yet repelled by the necessity of perhaps speaking of her secrets in all eventuality.

'I performed an overdue checkup on myself, yes. All is well.'

'Oh…' Fareeha responded solemnly, and Angela was honestly surprised, urged to investigate the lackluster singular syllable.

'You do not sound satisfied.'

'Well, I'm not.' Fareeha answered curtly, which was part of her charm. 'I'm generally able to tell when you're lying to me by this point. Your voice changes a bit. Maybe it becomes a little softer? My ears burn when I hear that tone. I…could be wrong, I guess.' Fareeha stopped, turning to Angela and looking down at her with her honest gaze. 'Am I?'

Another pause, Angela squirming within and her heart physically hurting somehow.

'Not entirely.'

'Ah. So long as I'm not going crazy.' Fareeha shrugged, beginning onward once more.

'You're…not going to push more?'

'No. You'll tell me when you want to. I know that. And my opinion on the matter hasn't changed. It's painful to think you simply won't give me details when it's related to your very wellbeing, but there is nothing for it. I'll just remain by your side. That's all I can do.'

'I-I see…' Angela looked at the ground as the walked, and she could soon hear the buzzing of machinery, the anti-gravity units from their bird humming deeply within the loading bay. Jack, Winston, Torbjorn, and Ana were all present, a number of other maintenance crew members doing final circle checks of the small aircraft. Winston and Torbjorn were directly involved with the evaluations, while Jack and Ana clearly reviewed the mission's details via a portable holographic screen and handheld computer hub.

Fareeha had already folded up her umbrella, and when the two women were spotted by the other Overwatch agents, Jack gave a small nod and Ana (mask equipped when around regular members of Overwatch, it seemed), practically skipped to her daughter and Angela.

'How are you both doing? Are you ready?' She asked, sizing up Fareeha and the two suitcases she carried. 'How chivalrous of you! Guess I raised you just fine.' She whispered the last bit to the two girls.

'She's exceedingly considerate.' Angela agreed.

'I'll load these up.' Fareeha decided, splitting from Angela and Ana, the two older women left alone briefly.

'Is she doing well? Perhaps nervous?' Ana questioned rightfully.

'I…may have upset her a tad, but it isn't something we can't work through.'

'Oh?' Ana crossed her arms. 'Before a mission that requires you get along? That's troublesome. Shall I accompany you myself, then?'

'Heavens, no. We'll be fine.'

'I certainly hope so.'

Angela grinned wryly, walking past Ana to avoid further prying. She could be annoyingly insightful.

'You reviewed the details of the mission?' Jack grunted.

'Naturally. At its core, it's simply a recon task, is it not?'

'Ideally that's all it will be, but we all know Talon won't keep it so simple, and we'll use that to our advantage in the worst-case scenario. Overwatch agents are already en route. However, the issue is how tight security will be. Unless absolutely necessary, we don't want to raise any hell.'

'Understood.'

'Well, that's that. You're an experienced soldier, so, I won't waste any more of your time.'

'I'd prefer you refer to me as a doctor.'

'…Fair enough.'

Angela observed Fareeha step out of the aircraft, returning to her side, to the older woman's relief.

'It is a fine vehicle.' She appraised.

'Not bad, huh?' Jack agreed. 'Winston and Torbjorn made some adjustments. That mechanic of ours also left you a present. Watching too many movies, but it's brilliant, I'll give him that.'

'He told me.' Fareeha nodded, a glimmer in her eyes.

'Oh? Sounds intriguing!' Angela pried softly.

'You'll have to wait and see.' Fareeha jabbed a bit, and the doctor could only take the abuse in stride.

'Everything looks a-okay.' Winston's massive form produced a shadow suddenly. 'She can fly on auto-pilot for most of your trip, but you're more than welcome to take the wheel if needed. With that said, is our special guest all situated? Lena will be watching over her for the time being?'

'Certainly.' Angela confirmed. 'If time permits, and if she is willing, I may be able to perform some form of operation on her brain upon returning. I have compiled a fair amount of data, and it's a feasible, if exceptionally risky.'

'Oh? Already?' Winston sounded surprised. 'Impressive! From the information you sent me, it all still seemed somewhat cryptic.'

'It is.' Angela shrugged. 'But I'll have time to review everything I've collected thus far during this trip, and I imagine some pieces will fall into place for me in that window.'

'I know how temperamental these silly machines can be, so I can only imagin' what it'd be like to tinker with something like a brain. Gives me a headache jus' thinkin' about it.' Groaned Torbjorn.

'It shall be a sizeable challenge; I will not deny that.'

'And if you run into Moira? What then?' Ana asked intelligently.

'Well, I would love if she simply provided me with the notes created during her own experimentation, but I suspect we are all aware that the chances of such fortune are quite slim.'

'That woman's always seen you as one of the only people in the world that could challenge her in both your respective fields of science. She's a madwoman now, any chains Overwatch had placed on her broken, allowing her to twist her subjects into monsters.' Jack spoke bitterly, and it was obvious he was likely thinking of Gabriel. Angela knew she was.

'I will offer a hand of peace if she so desires, but I'm certain it will be in vain.' Angela concluded. 'In any case; Fareeha? Are we ready?'

'We are.'

'Then farewell to you all, my friends. I am in good hands.'

'You're not alone. Both of you. We have eyes and ears on the convention centre. If there's any sign of chaos, we'll be there. In the worst-case scenario, remember to utilize the emergency signal on your phones.' Winston encouraged, and the group said their goodbyes from there.

The rain continued to come down hard, making for an innately uncomfortable trip. Angela didn't mind a nice afternoon shower, but the storm was shifting into something akin to perilous, and the aircraft, because of its size, was batted around a little more than she would prefer. Fareeha had taken the direction of their flight herself, easily navigating on course while making minor adjustments to create as smooth an experience as she could given the circumstances. If she wasn't in control, Angela might've been even more nervous.

The plane dipped suddenly, and Angela squeaked, the lack of stabilization causing her stomach to flip and her ears to pop.

'We will be fine, Angela. My apologies for the rough trip.' Fareeha finally said, much of the journey thus far consisting of the two women evaluating their situation and the bad timing of it all.

'It's alright. I've never really liked flying, but I've learned to accept it as part of my life, for the most part. I doubt even my body could recover from such a fall.'

'I would be more frightened if it could.' Fareeha laughed.

'True. It would be quite the sight, although I'm told I appeared to be that of the walking dead once that berserker type omnic was done with me. How horrifying!'

'Heh! If it meant you surviving, then I am thankful for the sight.'

'Oh, yes. Without my nanomachines I would have been mortally wounded beyond repair. I've never experienced such pain before. I truly suspected it was my last fight, to be perfectly honest.'

Fareeha's grip on the aircraft tightened, and Angela could see the way her focus faltered.

'If I lost you then…I cannot imagine the void my heart would have felt.'

'Aw. Truly?'

'Of course. I was already infatuated beyond reason. I still am, as a matter of fact.'

Angela allowed the compliment to settle her anxious mind, and she grinned to herself, sneaking little glances of Fareeha as she flew another plane for them, once again ensuring Angela's safety.

'Considering what the future may hold for you and I spurred me into somewhat reckless action as well, Fareeha. I wished to get to know you better; and I am overjoyed at the prospect of doing so even now. This mission is a delight, although I have some reservations considering I won't be capable of helping any of our wounded during our absence.'

'I thought of that as well. This sort of celebration of science doesn't seem like your cup of tea. Brilliant minds stroking one another's ego, isn't it?'

Angela sighed loudly.

'Precisely. I've always perceived it as a waste of time, and rarely ventured out to such silliness.'

'I imagine you were eyed by many a man during any form of social gathering, let alone ones where colleagues felt they had more of a chance with you.'

'I suppose. Thinking back, I'm almost guaranteed to be approached this time as well, considering the consistency of such interactions from the past.'

'Did you ever take any of them up on their offers?'

'Well,' Angela smiled mischievously. Fareeha had delivered the question with a rather passive tone, but her evident jealousy was overly delightful. 'It's nothing I haven't told you before. I entertained an outing or two following presentations such as this one, but they never extended beyond that. Ah! In fact,' Angela chuckled. 'I had one brave soul attempt to take me directly back to his hotel room. That was his idea of a date, apparently. He was somewhat fetching, so perhaps that's why, but I ended it right then and there. I recall the look on his face clearly.'

'Heh. I can imagine.'

Angela nibbled on her lip a little, lowering her voice and focusing on the conversation rather than the turbulent weather.

'The only person that has been even slightly sexually active with me, Fareeha…is you.'

The younger woman's hands practically slipped off the steering, and Angela could only howl, hiding her own embarrassment in the moment of hilarity.

'R-right.'

'That being said, I want you to know that I did not dislike what transpired between us that night. Indeed, I have never felt such arousal before in my life. It was quite educational! You can only understand something like that so much without experiencing it firsthand. I am quite satisfied with my expanded knowledge in the realm of pleasure.'

It was Fareeha's turn to laugh loudly, her voice like a beautiful, somewhat deep set of wind chimes ringing in Angela's ears.

'I'm glad! I found it…um…very agreeable as well.'

'Have you reflected on our lovemaking often since then?' Angela couldn't help herself.

'…M-maybe…Once or twice.'

'Such resolve! Perhaps this trip will allow us to take our relationship even further?'

'Stop it.' Fareeha breathed out deeply, the air exhaled loud and controlled. 'Please don't tease me about that. Even now, with your…shoulder exposed as such, I'm tempted into distraction.'

'Really…?' Angela blushed, glancing to the spoken of body part.

'Have you no understanding of your allure? God. You drive me mad with anticipation. I honestly wish I could leave this plane in autopilot so I could…Ugh!'

'So you could take me entirely?'

'Something…like that.'

Angela giggled, noticing that the pitter patter of the rain had finally dulled some, and specks of blue were in the distance at last. She sighed in relief, leaning back in her chair and extracting her portable computer device, projecting a small screen and immediately tapping away at the charts and numbers that presented themselves to her instantly.

'Good. I can focus a little better now that I am quite certain the remainder of our flight shall be safe.'

'Work?' Fareeha inquired, just a touch of irritation dabbling in her intonation.

'Always, my dear. There's always something I should be working on in some capacity.'

'Oh…'

'It's the reality of my life. I assumed you were aware of as much.' Angela decided now was better than never. She had delayed the inevitable conversation, but they still had a few hours to go, and Fareeha truly needed to know. 'I am constantly receiving e-mails from doctors around the world asking for my opinion. I try to reply to as many as possible, knowing it may very well be a life I'm helping to save. Additionally, I have my own research ongoing, and patients – like Widowmaker – who are also still under my care, to an extent. I very rarely have surmountable time to myself, in most cases. When I do, it's riddled with guilt due to the fact I may be neglecting an inquiry that could help another patient.' She paused, unsure of how Fareeha was taking the implications.

'Relationships…have ever been a prospect in my life I didn't feel fit well with what I desire to do. Perhaps that's why I've always kept others at arm's length. I'm aware of how painful it might be to not have one's partner mentally available. Even now, you were agitated by my need to work, correct?'

A beat.

'Slightly.'

'I'm happy you're honest, Fareeha.'

'It's only because of my own greed. I'm sorry if I gave off the impression that it bothered me too much.'

'That's quite a noble evaluation. However, I would understand if this form of lifestyle might be undesirable eventually. It's not for everyone. It's certainly not for most partners.'

'I see.' Fareeha answered quietly.

Angela smiled wryly to herself. What if Fareeha did reject her now? What if what Angela asked of her was too much? It would be completely understandable. Who wanted to be in a relationship with someone who was also in love with their work? It would be akin to having a third wheel, and that could only be frustrating beyond compare. Still…it was frightening. Very frightening. More frightening than Angela wanted to admit. The prospect of losing Fareeha; nothing had ever come close to Angela's pursuits. Of Mercy's pursuits. Yet Fareeha…this young woman next to Angela, she was already almost just as valuable. How was that possible? How did it mathematically make sense?

'Despite this, you still wish to be with me…er…in a relationship?' Fareeha confirmed, and Angela's chest hurt.

'I do. Against reason, I…I am quite taken by you, Fareeha.' It was the truth. It was the honest, vulnerable truth.

'Then my answer is simple; I shall prepare coffee or tea and provide massages as needed. I will ensure your helping of the world is just a little more comfortable. If that's the least I can do, then I shall gladly oblige. You're not alone anymore, Angela; remember that.'

'Ah…' Angela gripped her chest, almost digging her fingers into the skin. 'You would…do such things for me? Really?'

'With honour.'

'That…isn't fair, Fareeha. It's far too lopsided. Our relationship can only end in misery if such imbalance is in play. I can already see the conclusion to that particular experiment.'

'We won't know until we try; and I'm willing to try. I have always looked up to you and your accomplishments. I would be quite thankful to also be a part of such feats in even the most miniscule of ways.'

'Hahah…' Angela laughed melancholically. 'You're too pure. What did I do to deserve such perfection? I must be dreaming.'

'You have, quite literally, saved thousands, Angela. You are due for far more than anything I could ever provide.'

'Stop it.' Angela shivered, and then lifted a brow, tapping her cheek. 'But I don't know. Would you be willing to massage my feet as well?'

'Yours and only yours.' Fareeha admitted.

'Truly?'

'Truly.'

Angela huffed, unbuckling her seatbelt and hastily going in behind Fareeha, wrapping her arms around her collar and squeezing tight.

'That's a little dangerous still.' The younger woman attempted, but Angela could see the goosebumps prickling over her dark skin.

'We've been stabilized for some time now, Ms. Amari.'

'…I know. But my hands are safer being stationary here.'

'Mmm.' Angela moved her mouth to Fareeha's ear, shifting some black hair so her lips could graze it as she talked. 'Then I suppose I get to have a little fun.' And she nibbled on the younger woman's lobe, causing Fareeha to gasp unexpectantly.

'This…isn't Oasis.' Angela stepped out of the aircraft, and once Fareeha did the same, the vehicle disappeared, it's cloaking device activated by the taller woman for safekeeping. Despite not knowing precisely where they were, Angela felt a sense of nostalgia, looking to Fareeha with restrained hope.

'Where are we, Ms. Amari?'

'You don't know yet?' Fareeha's jaw shifted a bit.

'I have an inkling, but if I am correct then…I am not certain what I should do with the potential feelings that will inevitably develop from such unexpected consideration.'

'Come with me.' Fareeha extended a hand, and Angela took it, a swelling forming in her chest.

The two women travelled in mostly silence, a knot preventing Angela from talking, and a sense of dedicated purpose driving Fareeha forward. She checked her phone a number of times, perhaps for directions, but once they entered a rather decrepit part of Baghdad, homeless individuals on the streets scurrying at the sight of what could be danger, Angela knew. She knew, and as she had stated, the emotions were almost too overwhelming to contain.

She looked to Fareeha's profile, her eyes fading in and out of focus. Angela had given so much of herself for others for so long that guilt fed into her anytime someone sacrificed something for her. It didn't feel right. She was the one that ensured others' wellbeing. She was always put last. She was demanded to perform daily. She was pulled from every direction.

But Fareeha didn't pull. She didn't demand. She didn't expect anything. She simply wanted to care for Angela and show it in any way possible. There were no ulterior motives. No preconceptions. No selfish desires. She wanted nothing in return save for a mutual sense of affection.

At this point, Angela wasn't sure she could give back what she felt.

Fareeha escorted Angela into the building that had been used as the doctor's latest hospital in yet another country ravaged and left behind by the original Omnic Crisis. Blood stained the walls and floor, and the corpses of her patients hadn't been touched or cared for in any way. It was heartbreaking. It tore into Angela's chest and ripped at her soul. She covered her mouth and the tears began.

'You…never got to say goodbye, Angela. It's always weighed on my mind.'

'Fareeha…' Angela whimpered, completely exposed and terrified that another person was seeing her like this.

'I'm going to bury them. There was a shovel in the closet, wasn't there?'

'Y-yes…'

'Good.'

Fareeha went to work, procuring what she needed and immediately going to the back where she and Angela had almost been killed and captured. The clanging of the metal instrument rang in Angela's ears alongside another bell that made it almost impossible to hear. She floated through the hospital, viewing the degrading bodies and faces of people she had failed to save. It was almost impossible to see in minutes, constant wiping at her eyes doing nothing.

Sara. Fadhil. Mohammed. Noora. So many more. So many she had spent so many hours with.

She could hear sobbing amidst the ringing, and Angela knew it was her own. She was pulling bodies through the hospital, her muscles aching and her mouth hurting from attempts to withhold the incessant crying.

'I can do that, Angela.' Fareeha wiped sweat from her brow, her skin gleaming in the intense sun. She was drenched, and she was the most beautiful person Angela had ever seen in her entire life.

'No. Please. Let me.' Angela managed.

Fareeha didn't argue. She went back to work, grunting louder and louder, her own muscles rippling and straining at the sudden demands placed upon them.

When a couple of hours settled, the graves were dug, and the bodies placed within them. Angela said her goodbyes, sniffing all the while but finding some dignity again. Fareeha's arm reached and rested on her shoulder, and Angela shuffled in as close as possible.

'I-I'm very sweaty…' Fareeha claimed, explaining why she so tentatively touched the doctor.

'I don't care, Fareeha.' Angela uttered quietly.

She was so respectful. So honest. So kind. So strong. So committed. So mature. So innocent. Angela closed her eyes and breathed shakily. The experience was otherworldly. She was floating through it all, anguish and discovery of a very new emotion tugging her along. It was a moment that lasted eons yet was also a blink in her life she would remember forever and ever.

Another blink and they were back at the aircraft, Fareeha revealing their plane once more and opening the doors for Angela.

The doctor sighed, unable to speak. She could only stare at the other woman, her black hair sticky and knotted, her shirt utterly soaked, and even her pants showing signs of sweat seeping through. It was undeniable. Fareeha tried to smile, clearly unsure if it was inappropriate, and Angela smiled back, so sincere and full her cheeks hurt.

Ah. So, this was "love".