Chapter 15: Lost Without You
7 months later...
Lena's POV
I shuddered as the cold breeze blew by, nearly extinguishing the weak fire I conjured up with a box of matches and a few twigs. The Overwatch flag above me fluttered weakly in the breeze, just as defeated as the rest of us. The night was completely silent other than the occasional mumble and the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks. Wincing, I looked down at the scrapes and bruises that littered my body, most of my skin a dark purple. My hair was a mess, and I sighed as I realized how long we've been running like this.
It was like the whole damn world turned on us in the blink of an eye. Our once loyal allies betrayed us, citizens didn't hesitate to report us to the police, and Talon, a name we never wanted to say again, was rising back up. But most importantly, they took Sombra. She's been gone for months now, nearly a year, and I can't help but worry about her. We have plans to try and rescue her, along with the location of the base she's being held in, but we lack the strength to do much. Most of the recruits that survived the ambush by the UN deserted quickly after. I couldn't blame them. The few that stuck with us were all tired and beat down, not unlike everyone else. But I couldn't leave, no matter how many times I thought about it. If I just up and left, what was the point of everything that I fought for? It can't just all be for nothing.
Angela was busy struggling to keep us all alive, and she was even more run down than usual. Ever since Sombra was captured I'd never seen her rest for more than a second. She was strong, but she lacked the same charisma Sombra had. Instead of fighting for a better world, we were fighting to survive.
We've lost all semblance of what we once were. Even the happiest of us rarely smiled. Genji kept to himself most of the time, and he'd look up into the sky a lot. I've been doing that as well. Not staring at anything in particular, just wondering what would've happened if Scott had stayed. If I had done something.
Everything went to shit. The UN wants us dead, and every amateur bounty hunter with an itchy trigger finger wants to be the one to do it. We've done enough to get by, but slowly we keep losing our numbers. Eventually we'll be found again, and we'll have to run somewhere else. I was so tired of running, and I could barely keep my eyes open as the flames danced along the open night sky.
I just had to face it. The world wants Overwatch dead.
Ever since he left. We've never been the same.
No one dared utter Scott's name, most of us referring to him with a dreaded he, mostly to avoid causing some argument about him, or yet another unwanted memory. The man was always on my mind, and now that for once I felt a little safe here at our old base of operations in Gibraltar, I couldn't help but wonder where the hell he was and if he was okay. I wanted to see him again, just to see his smile. I hoped that wherever he was, he was happy. I hope that for once he feels whole. That his life has meaning.
Looking up, I stared at the rooftop he sat upon almost every night. I could still see him covered in bandages, staring down at the rest of us as he talked to me about dreams. Not a day goes by where I don't wish I could go back in time and say something. Watching as Overwatch crumbled around me, as the family I have crumbled, I felt an overwhelming guilt crushing me.
Sometimes I'd think about Scott and resent him. I'd blame him for what happened. I think about that look on Sombra's face, and know that if he hadn't left she would've never been captured. He destroyed her, and he destroyed Overwatch. Sombra hadn't ever lost, and to be dealt such a huge blow in front of us... But Scott just kept walking, and never looking back.
But deep down I knew I couldn't place the blame on him. Scott was finally doing something for himself. He was searching for a place to belong, for some reason to be alive. If he wanted to be free, he needed to break Sombra's hold on him forever, and that was the only way he could.
Reinhardt sat down across from me, staring into the fire. For once, the mountain of a man looked utterly crushed. That warm smile of his had disappeared entirely. Jesse sat behind me, looking away from the fire and the rest of the group as he watched the ocean waves below. Genji walked over to us, sitting down beside me and offering a curt nod.
"How's Angela?" I broke the silence, looking up at the cyborg. He sighed, the mechanical locks on his shoulders and arms hissing. "Taking a rest. I finally convinced her to sit down." He muttered, and I nodded. "That's good to hear. She really should take better care of herself." I replied, and he offered a weak chuckle.
"Actually, she's taking this pretty well, all things considered. If she hadn't led us these past few months I don't know what we would've done." Genji said. "I know. We never would've made it this far." I remarked, and I heard Jesse 'tsk' behind me, scoffing.
"We survived, and so what? It ain't even possible to get a fresh start, and even if we were to make it and see an end to this shitshow, what then? How're we supposed to accomplish anything? Without the boss, we're just some mob. Like a chicken runnin' around with its head cut off."
I scowled, turning to look at the cowboy as his serape rested gently on his shoulders in the breeze. His hat was tipped down, covering his eyes and casting a dark shadow over his face. The only thing that illuminated his gruff features was the cigarillo in his mouth as he inhaled deeply.
"Yeah we all know we need her! That's why we're going to raid that base and get her back! We just gotta be patient!" I exclaimed, and he offered a condescending smile. He always saw me as some naive kid. "We ain't even know if she's still alive. Talon ain't exactly keen on keeping their prisoners healthy."
He turned to the groups huddled around fires, frowning. "If this is all there is for us, then I don't think we stand much of a chance. We're all dead men walking."
I stood up, my hands balling into fists as I growled. "Then what're you even still doing here, Jesse?! Why didn't you just leave with the rest of the deserters?!" I demanded, and he remained silent, looking up at the night sky. I could feel the eyes of the entire group on us, and I knew that they all understood how hopeless this was. I closed my eyes for a moment and sighed.
Overwatch died when Scott left. I just couldn't bring myself to accept it.
'If only he was here.'
Angela's POV
The holovid I've been staring at for the past ten minutes was beginning to hurt my eyes, and I snapped from the trance I was in. 'Overwatch dead and gone?' It read, and I couldn't stand it. Once again we were being tossed aside.
But this time was different. Before there was a good reason. Before we were just outlawed. Before there was a warning. But not this time. It was all so sudden, and they were ruthless.
I've done my best to keep us alive, and the information Katya gave us, our only ally left, is invaluable. Sombra's location. Just like everyone else, I believed full heartedly that she'd be able to lead us out of this mess. I'd be able to rest, and she'd save us from this fate. If she's still alive. I've seen what Talon can do to its enemies, and I didn't even want to think about what they put her through. But we'll get her back.
If only Scott was here. He'd pull us all together. He'd save Sombra singlehandedly. He'd keep us safe. But he was out there in the world, trying to find purpose. I scowled, thinking about the hundreds who died because of his need for independence. I doubt he even knows what's happened to us. He never was one to keep up with the news.
Turning the holovid off, I could see my reflection in the window beside me. I had lost all color, and my eyes were as dark as ever. I looked as disheveled as everyone else, and I shook off the urge to close my eyes. I needed to stay awake in case some more bounty hunters attacked. They've been a nuisance ever since the UN ambushed us. But now that everyone was worn out, they were as deadly as any enemy we've faced before.
The door behind me opened, and Genji entered and shut the door behind him, offering a weak smile as he removed his face plate. Even with all the scars, he was the most handsome man I knew. Sometimes I wish I could just let go for one day and be in his arms and stay there for as long as I wanted. It's been a while since we've slept in the same bed, but that's because I haven't slept.
"Still awake? Don't work too hard, or you'll fall right over." He joked, and I met his eyes. "Genji..."
"I get how you feel, but please, take better care of yourself. You're the only leader we have left. We're all exhausted, but we need you to be strong. If something were to happen to you..." he trailed off, shaking his head at the thought. I smiled, and pulled him in for a kiss, relishing in the feeling of his soft lips on mine. "I know." I muttered, my hand drifting across his cheek.
"I just received word from the agents who infiltrated Talon. They said Sombra is being held in the lowest levels of the facility, and none of them have seen her. Only those with the highest clearance can see her. They told me about a secret passage through the facility and into the lower levels through a graveyard nearby. But..." I paused, closing my eyes. "But they say they can hear her. Moans that don't sound human. However, they say they haven't heard the voice in a month."
We both sat there in silence for the moment, and he frowned, clearly as frustrated as I was.
I stood up from my chair to go speak with the others, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't be hasty." He advised, and I sighed. "I know. We're all tired. We've been on the run for nearly a year now. It feels like centuries since we all sat down completely safe."
"Even so, we've got to prepare. We only get one shot to save her." Genji replied, and I nodded.
The sound of shouting erupted outside, and our eyes snapped to the windows. Gunfire soon rang out, and I ran for my pistol. Genji withdrew his sword, glancing my way for a moment. "Stay safe! Keep your head down, Commander!"
It was odd to hear him say that, but I steadied myself and rushed out the door behind him.
The screaming was even louder outside, with a few agents dead already. Most of our fires had been stomped out, and I could see the others scrambling for cover. I ducked, dodging a bullet and springing into action. I snatched a recruit by his collar and pulled him back, saving him from a bullet to the head. "AH! YOU'RE ALL WEAK! FACE ME IF YOU DARE, YOU COWARDS!" Reinhardt bellowed, half of his crusader armor on, the other half completely exposed.
From what I could gather, it was just like the others. A quick sneak attack and then it'd be over. I could tell we were already pushing them back with our sheer numbers, but that didn't mean much. They were just slimming us down and retreating, until eventually no one was left.
Genji dashed through the lines, cutting two men down as him and Reinhardt held the front line. Lena was busy zipping by like always, flanking the enemy and disrupting their advances.
Jesse groaned, stumbling into the wall behind him. "Argh. I'm hit!" He yelled, and I moved over to him, noticing the wound he sustained in his right shoulder. He coughed, looking around frantically. "They've got us pinned down Angie, you should get outta here! You're too exposed tryin' ta' patch me up Doc!" Jesse shouted, and I scowled.
"Negative. My job is to keep you safe, not the other way around! Now hold still damn it!" I ordered, and he nodded, wincing as he allowed me to focus on the wound.
Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was tackled and busy wrestling with someone on the ground, as he pinned my hands to the ground. I struggled, trying to knee him in the groin, but I stopped as he placed a blade to my throat. I met his green eyes, his face covered by a dark hood and mask. Jesse reached for his gun, but a throwing knife sliced through his fingers, forcing him to drop it. "Angela!" I heard Genji yell, before deflecting an incoming bullet with his katana.
"This fight is mine," the man growled, digging his heel into my wrist, causing me to shift in pain. His other knee held my right arm down, his two blades on either side of my neck. "Tell your men to stand down, and I'll let you live. Otherwise I cut off that pretty little head of yours right now. I'll give you three seconds to choose."
I tried to roll over, but I felt his blades move even closer to my flesh, forcing me to look at him. "One." He started, slowly inching his knives closer and closer. "Angie! Hold on!" I heard Lena shout. I kicked, but didn't seem bothered by it. "Two." He paused, and his eyes met mine.
"Three!" He yelled, and I closed my eyes in anticipation.
I felt the familiar warmth of blood spurt out over my body, coating some of my face in red. I opened my eyes, watching as the once excited eyes above me were full of fear, and long black blade lodged deep in his throat. Another one went straight through his chest, before they both slid out of him. My eyes widened as the masked man rolled over, kicking and clawing at his throat as he died.
"Four." I heard the gruff voice of man I hadn't heard in years, and I looked up.
There he was. Offering me that damn smile of his, his blades soaked in blood, along with most of his trench coat.
Scott.
He towered over me like always, his shadow completely engulfing me. Those cocky eyes of his shifted to mine, and his grin widened. "I can't believe you let him get the best of you. He's just some street performer." Scott was as cocky as always.
That damn smile.
Scott's POV
"Pull it together, okay Commander?" I muttered, struggling to keep myself from breaking down as my friend stared at me, seething with a rage I hadn't seen in years. It was so unreal to see all of them, each and everyone of them seeming a decade older. They were so rundown. Was I really that important to them?
Angela kept her eyes locked with mine, unable to believe what her eyes were showing her. I could hear most of the fighting stop as practically everyone stopped and stared, the bounty hunters taking their opening to escape. "Holy shit! It's Scott!" I heard Lena yell, her voice filled to the brim with joy. It felt so good just to hear her voice after all this time.
"What was that?" Jesse looked over, finally noticing it was me. As I expected, he scowled at me. I could hear all the recruits bumbling over to me. "Captain! I knew you'd come back!" They all cheered, shouting at the top of their lungs, smiling brightly. Probably the first real smiles they've had in a long time. Despite what was going on, and how guilty I felt for all that's happened to them while I've been gone, I still smiled back. A sudden warmth filled my heart.
Reinhardt smashed two men's faces into one another, crushing their skulls. He grinned at me. "HAHA! I TOLD YOU ALL THERE'S STILL FIGHT IN HIM YET!"
I leaned down, offering Angela my hand. The doctor hesitated, as if she was worried that if she took my hand she'd fall right through me like I was some vision. I smiled at the blonde, noticing she still looked beautiful, even covered in blood. "Sorry about the wait. Get up. Now is no time to be sitting around on your ass."
"I'll take care of these amateurs. You do your job." I pulled her up, wiping some of the blood off of her. She still stared at me, and just like her I felt overwhelmed with emotions, unable to comprehend what exactly I was feeling. I frowned, motioning to the others. "Go on." They were still cleaning up the stragglers, and I watched as Angela hurried over to the wounded, forgetting about me for the moment.
After around ten minutes of me picking off any survivors, I noticed everyone crowding behind me, staring at me like I had grown a head. "So, running away?" I heard Jesse call out, trying to shoot any more of the hunters. "Don't go after them. You're injured."
"But-"
Jesse was soon cut off as everyone I knew in Overwatch trampled over him to get to me, almost comically so as they mobbed me. I laughed, watching as Jesse rubbed his head and placed his hat back on, dusting himself off.
All of them crowded around me, staring up at me in wild admiration. It was like nothing had changed. The happy faces surrounding me became contagious, and started to chuckle as I felt them pulling and pushing me as they looked at me, struggling to tell if this was real. It was only then that I realized something.
'My family. This was where I belonged this whole time.'
Lena blinked up to me in a quick flash of blue, ignoring the crowd behind her. I still stood a foot taller than her, but that was just how I remembered it. "Scott...you're really here!" She exclaimed, and I ruffled her messy hair, laughing. "Hey, good to see ya in one piece." Lena began to tear up, and I didn't hesitate to pull her into a tight hug, feeling her tears soak through my gear. "We've been so lost without you."
I paused and closed my eyes. "I'm sorry."
Genji stood beside Reinhardt, and our eyes met. All he did was wink at me, offering me a thumbs up. I grinned, returning the same gesture. I looked at everyone, and I felt like the whole world was spinning around me. "Wow." I remarked.
Had they all cared about me like this the whole time? I stood in amazement, still holding Lena as she sobbed.
'I've been so desperate for independence from Olivia, I never realized how many people depended on me. This is all my fault.' I thought, looking up at Angela and Jesse who stood behind the crowd, staring at me.
"It isn't safe out here. We need to prep our defenses and head inside, we can't have them sneaking up on us from now on. Everyone, move! We have no time to be standing around gawking!" Angela ordered. I was taken aback for a moment, noticing what a strong leader she had become. That woman really was amazing.
"Angela-" Lena retorted, but I cut her off. "Listen to her. We can all catch up later. Until then, point me in the right direction and I'll help you all out." I met her eyes, and she nodded at me in acknowledgment.
An hour later...
The defenses were up and running again, and now that we were inside everyone began speaking with one another, all of them crowding around me. They were all still amazed I even showed up. I couldn't help but feel a smile spread across my lips. The groups were a lot more cheerful than they were before, some of them even playing card games or drinking. I still felt like this was all a dream, but no matter how many times I pinched myself, I never woke up.
Genji, Lena, and Reinhardt were all very curious about my time away from them. Lena wanted to know where I got all my new scars from. I kept most of my stories rather vague, not wanting them to know that I found nothing outside of them. How could I tell them that I finally figured out I belonged with them after everything that's happened?
I left them. But none of them acted like it. They were all so busy laughing and smiling that I nearly forgot about Olivia and Overwatch's fall from grace.
"Our numbers haven't held. Nearly a third of our agents deserted. We can hardly even call ourselves a band at this point." Genji muttered, and I remained silent, wracked with guilt. I looked at my feet, refusing to look them in the eye. "But things could be worse. I doubt there'd be anything left of us if not for Angela." We all turned and looked at her as she continued ordering some of the men on patrols, just as strong as I remembered. But I could tell she was exhausted. 'Maybe I'll need to step up and take charge of things. She could use the extra hand.'
"This all started that fateful day, when the UN opened fire on us. All I can remember is the confusion, and how chaotic it all was. We found out a week later that Sombra had been captured by Talon. We haven't seen her since."
"Sombra?! No." My eyes widened, and I thought about how defeated she looked, her eyes wide open as she stared into the distance. Her entire body and face was blank, devoid of all emotion. 'I'm responsible for everything that's happened. Olivia would've never gotten herself captured if I hadn't left.'
"It all happened a few days after you left. She sneaked out without any of us noticing, and by the time we all began to worry, she was long gone." Genji said, frowning. "Who knows what kind of shit she's going through with Talon? When you left, she just broke down. She never said a word, barely ever ate a thing." Lena added, shaking her head in sadness. "I think it was because you left. I think she might've loved y-"
"Lena." Genji warned, offering her a glare, and she stopped. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm not blaming ya for it."
I could still see Olivia, lying in the puddle below her as it poured outside. She never moved, clutching her wrist in shock as her shattered knife slid to the ground. I struggled to keep my composure, my eyes beginning to burn as tears threatened to reveal themselves.
"Don't let it go to your head." I turned, and Jesse sat behind me, not even bothering to look at me. He seemed even more disgusted with me than he was when I left. "What happened to her has absolutely nothing to do with you. Nothing." I thought about saying something, but Reinhardt began speaking before I could.
"You should've seen Angela! She sustained three bullet wounds and still led us to victory! We crushed those cowardly UN agents!" He laughed, a sense of pride overflowing in his voice as he boasted.
"And then today, you came back to us when we needed you the most! Looks like Lady Luck hasn't given up on us yet!" Genji grinned, and I turned to meet his soft gaze.
"We're just about to set our major operation into motion. We know where Sombra is." Genji continued, and I raised an eyebrow. "We're going to save her."
"Everyone here is wounded, their body and minds covered in scars, and no one is forcing them to stay. It isn't even about courage or pride either. The men and women you see here are going to be with us to the end. We're going to rescue Sombra. Overwatch simply doesn't exist without her."
After a short silence, I grinned. "Well, this is nice. I come back after a year and not a thing has changed." I joked, and Genji chuckled. "We're counting on you, Captain." Lena said, placing emphasis on my rank. It felt like ages since I've been addressed like that.
I heard Jesse tsk behind me. "Don't ya mean former Captain?" He growled, and Lena scowled. "Jesse!"
"Why trust him? Where was he when we needed him the most, huh? Out playin' in the cities, only concerned with himself!" Jesse stood up, jabbing his finger at me. "I'll never call this deserting bastard one of us!" He spat, and Lena stood up as well. "Jesse, that's enough!"
"He's a coward, just like I said he was. He's no better than the others who tucked their tails an' ran! Let's make that clear!"
"I understand." I muttered, standing up from the circle around me. "I don't blame you for holding me responsible. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for having left you all." I apologized, turning to walk away. "Oh boo-hoo! There he goes again, makin' everything about him! Go throw yourself another pity party!" I heard Jesse bark once more, and Lena and him began to bicker with one another as I walked off.
"Hey Scott, wait up!" Genji hurried over to me. "Talk to Angela." He advised, and I folded my arms. "Ever since you left and Sombra was taken, she's never been the same. She'd have nightmares, and every time she'd call out for Sombra to come back safely. And for you as well. I've never been able to talk to her about those nightmares. But maybe you can."
I looked at him, and he placed a hand on my shoulder, a friendly smile spreading across his lips. "I'm counting on you, Scott." Turning, I watched him leave, and then I glanced over at Angela. I caught her eyes, but she looked away and stomped off.
'Leave that for tomorrow. I better bring a few drinks as well. I doubt she's been able to unwind in a while now.' I thought.
The next day...
It felt so odd to wake up back in the base. My room was exactly how I had left it, not a thing out of place. The room brought back unwelcome memories, and painful ones at that. I quickly got out of there this morning, eager to escape it's clutches.
I've been anxious this entire damn day. I could barely focus on anything, let alone hold conversations with people. I was struggling with what to say to Angela, and when exactly I should. I didn't want to fuck this up. She was a good friend, and I needed people like her by my side. Someone I know I can trust. Especially if we're going to get Olivia back.
But I could tell she held this special hatred for me. An anger reserved just for me. I could see it in her eyes every time I saw her across the hallways. At times I debated never speaking to her. I couldn't help but feel terrible just looking at her. Just like with everyone else, I destroyed everything for her. And I don't think I can fix it this time.
It was late in the evening by the time I worked up enough courage to call her and ask if she wanted to speak with me privately. A few stumbles and awkward pauses later she agreed to come see me, and I've been leaning on this railing for the past five minutes, going over everything I wanted to say.
But when I heard her footsteps behind me I lost track of every word I ever had in my vocabulary.
"Draw those blades of yours. Now."
Before I could react and turn around in time, I felt a sharp blade at the back of my neck.
"Angela, what're you doing? You're gonna hurt someone." I tried to remain calm, but it wasn't working out very well.
"Draw your weapon!" She shouted, and I ducked just in time as she swiped at my head, causing me to stumble back. "Wait a minute! Just stop!" I struggled to reason with her, but she didn't hesitate to swing her knife at me again, missing my nose by a hair. "Angela, stop! I'm not going to fight you!"
She gritted her teeth, still as exhausted as ever, the only thing keeping her going was her hatred for me. "Come on. Use those big strong blades of yours, now!" She demanded, trying to plunge the knife into my chest. I sidestepped, and used my foot to trip her over.
"What the hell has gotten into you?! Is this how you greet all of your friends?!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the sky as she began to pick herself up. "I don't see you for a whole year and the first thing you do is try to slice me open?!"
Angela turned her head, tears flowing down her cheeks as she looked up at me. "It's all YOUR fault!"
"You've destroyed everything! God damn you!" Her grip on her knife tightened as she lunged towards me. I used my titanium arms to my advantage, blocking the attacks with relative ease. Angela was tired, and I could tell she could barely use that knife, judging from how much she wobbled. I grabbed her wrist as she attempted to punch me, forcing me to grit my teeth. "Sombra, Overwatch, it all went to hell because of you!"
"Because of me?" I asked, and she struggled against my hold. "You walked out on us! You turned your back on her!" She yelled, and I disarmed her before she could hurt me or herself. I shook my head in disbelief, looking away for a moment. I realized that this was the exact spot Olivia and I always talked. That's why I was so drawn to this place.
"That can't be true. She'd never let something so small get in the way of her dream." I replied, and Angela's brows furrowed. "You still don't get it do you? You fool! When are you going to get it through your thick skull?!" The doctor shoved me, knocking me off balance.
"She needed someone, no matter how much she tried not to. No one can live in isolation with nothing more than a dream! You were the only one. The only one Sombra let get close to her! It was you! You're the one who made her weak!"
I felt my body teetering as she bombarded me with attacks, striking me in the face multiple times. I could barely feel it though. I could only see and hear Olivia laughing beside me, her hand on my chest. My eyes widened as I snapped back to reality, only for another punch to connect. I could feel Olivia's arm draped across my chest as I kept her warm with my body, flooding me with sensations I hadn't felt in years.
Angela stumbled, but she kept hitting me, never stopping to catch her breath. The fire she had in her eyes had dissipated, and was replaced with sadness. There was no hatred behind her blows, nothing but her exhaustion getting the better of her.
I gasped, my arms now failing me, and I was unable to move as she punched me once more. I could see Olivia in front of that fountain on the stairs, her speech mesmerizing me yet again. And there Olivia was, crying as she held me close as I sat against that tree. "It was you, damn it!" Angela cried, and I saw Olivia smiling at me as we twirled around together, dancing the night away.
"She was lost without you!" She charged me, and I hadn't notice her pick up her knife. I was too slow to catch her as she slammed the blade into my side, grazing by my organs and cutting through my flesh. I groaned, and I could see Olivia's expressionless face staring back at me.
My hand wrapped around the blade, keeping it in my side as I shook uncontrollably, unable to accept what had happened to Olivia. Angela gasped, looking up at me in shock. I could tell she didn't mean to actually stab me. "What was I supposed to do?" I whispered, and Angela watched as my blood trickled down my side, dripping off of her knife. I felt her pull against me. "L-let go." She said uneasily. But instead my shaky grip tightened.
"I just did what I had to do..."
"Enough...let go..." Angela pleaded, but I only gazed at my shaking hand, my mind flashing to my experiences with Olivia. With the woman I loved.
"She would've done the same...I just wanted to be her equal..."
"I know...Scott, just let go!"
I finally found the strength to release my grasp on the blade, realizing that it had splintered into shards in my hand. Angela stumbled backwards, and I dropped the broken pieces of the knife.
"I'm sorry." I muttered, falling to my knees. Angela seemed to have lost all resentment towards me as she rushed to my side, quickly helping me bandage my wound.
For a few moments we focused on stopping the bleeding, and I struggled to find the words to say. Her anger was replaced with worry as she furrowed her brows, directing her anger inwards to herself. When she was satisfied with her work on my wound, she sighed, refusing to look at me. I leaned on my hand awkwardly as I sat there, releasing a weak chuckle. "I thought you were done with trying to kill me." I joked, and she nodded. "And I thought you were done running off on your own." She retorted.
I heard her sigh, and I laughed. "Touché."
"Scott...I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me. What I said...that wasn't me." She attempted to apologize, and I sighed.
"I should be the one apologizing to you." A small grin spread across my lips. "That was my plan until you tried to cut my head off." I added, and she shook her head. "I-I...I don't know why I did that to you. I never wanted to hurt you. There was just this anger I had deep inside of me, not directed at you, but at the world." She trailed off, and I frowned.
"I'm tired of us being thrown away like garbage for wanting to help people. I think of all the good we've done for people, yet we're damned by the public. The people in Monaco, they were so quick to turn on us. When I realize how much suffering we go through, I can't tell why we still do this. Why did innocent men and women have to pay for the mistakes Overwatch made so long ago? Why did we have to be punished?"
We sat in silence as I failed to find an answer to her questions. Then I met her eyes, and she frowned.
"The day you left, only now do I realize what it was that bothered me so much. The thing I couldn't stop staring at wasn't Sombra kneeling in the rain, devastated, it was you. Watching you walk away from us and never look back. Your strength is unmatched, both in body and spirit, and this anger I felt was because of my jealousy. You had risen up against her, fought for your independence. Yet all those years in Overwatch, when I knew what we were doing wasn't right, I never had to courage to leave it all behind. I was too attached. Too afraid that if I let go of Overwatch, I'd simply disappear, that I'd have nothing left."
I looked at her, and she smiled. "You have a strength none of us could ever dream of. You beat her, not in a fit of rage, but out of determination. You desired freedom. And I respect that now. I understand it. When I met you, I hated you. Not because of some choice you made, but because you were everything I wanted to be. Strong, brave, fearless, and a good leader. But...I'm changing."
"Angela, you're a better leader than I could ever dream of being. Without you, Overwatch would've fallen apart a long time ago. And you're wrong, for once. I never found something outside of you all. Outside of her dream. Just like you, I'm afraid if I didn't have you all, I'd cease to exist." I said.
We both looked at one another and smiled. Though the talk didn't start out very well, it ended in a way I wanted it to. "This is where I belong. I see that now. I was so caught up in being independent that I never thought of the people I loved. I realized that depending on someone isn't a bad thing. A lot like you, I'm changing. And I promise, I'll change for the better."
"It's a deal then." A smirk spread across her lips. "We'll both change for the better. I'll stop trying to kill you."
"And I'll stop brooding and going off on my own." I finished, and we shook hands.
For what seemed like an eternity, we sat in a comfortable silence, watching the birds soar overhead. A small smile spread across my face, and I could feel Angela's eyes on me. "What?" I asked.
"You love her, don't you?"
I released an audible gulp, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. "I do." I answered.
"When we get her back, maybe eventually we'll all be able to settle down together." Angela said, looking off into the distance as she thought about it. I laughed, hoping that I'd be able to fix the things I broke.
"Yeah. I'd like that."
This one turned out a lot longer than I expected it to be, but I just kept wanting to put a little bit more each time I reread it. I really enjoyed writing the last part, so now Angela and Scott finally completely understanding one another and accept it. I love their little friendship, which is full of Angela yelling at Scott for being a jackass. I'm glad Scott is back with them, mostly because I really enjoy his dynamic with everyone. Especially Jesse, cuz I love writing people as assholes.
I've got some really big plans for Olivia, and I warn you things are about to get pretty sad. And if you think you know where I'm heading with this story, think again! Some major curveballs are coming soon, and Scott will suffer even more because I'm a sadist.
But I'm glad this one turned out the way it did. Kind of like the calm before the storm. It was also a little happier than usual, so that's always fun. Anyways, thanks for reading, and I appreciate the support you guys have been giving me. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon!
Til next time!
