The next morning, Sombra set up the table. "Sebastian get down here and deliver food to our guests!"
Footsteps were heard on the stairs as Sebastian jumped down. "I'm here, I'm here." He grabbed the trays of food and left for the guests. He walked down the halls and reached the doorway. He moved the second tray of food on his arm when the door opened. It was Angela!
She looked she woke up terribly as Sebastian put up front a happy face. "I brought breakfast. May I come in?"
"Of course." He entered and found Fareeha still asleep when he placed her tray on her nightstand. Sebastian placed the second tray on Angela's nightstand when she tapped him for his attention.
He quickly turned around and faced the doctor. The look on her seemed regretful and he rubbed the back of his neck due to the awkward silence.
"I'm want to apologize."/"I'm sorry."
The two were surprised at their timing and looked away from each other. "You first."
"No, no I interrupted you. I didn't want to be any more disrespectful."
"It's alright I...I guess I'll go first." Angela rubbed her hands together as Sebastian waited for her to formulate words. "I wish to apologize for the words that were exchanged last night. I didn't mean to snap like that. It's just it's been so long and you are so much like, you know, I-I'm..." He stopped her.
"I understand. I would be frustrated as well if I faced such a situation. I forgive you." She nodded as he took a deep breath. "And I wish to apologize for two things."
"Two things?"
"The first is for my blunt tone. I didn't take into account how you would feel and what you've been through. It was very disrespecting toward your feelings. For that I apologize."
"Oh."
"And the second thing is...I mean I wish to apologize to you for anything Noah may have done." She blinked at the apology. "I mean I'm sure I did something that hurt you in the past. I know I don't have the memories, but I want to apologize for anything I or rather what he may have done to you."
Apologizing for saving her life? She would laugh, if she couldn't see that he was serious. He didn't know the pain that came from losing him. He didn't do anything except save them from being buried beneath the surface of a mountain.
"It's okay. I didn't mean to sound too broken up about it. You just did what you had to do. We were just too emotionally attached."
With that Sebastian held his hand out. "I know it's a little forward, but can we leave this as just friends? I mean you don't have to, it's just that-" He stopped when she reached out and shook his hand.
"Friends." Sebastian smiled at her as she tried returning it. "Well I suppose we should get to work on your equipment. Mercy may be needed at the drop of a hat."
"Of course."
They heard a groan and turned to see Fareeha waking up. Sebastian and Angela ran to her side as she opened her eyes. Her eyes were tired as she looked at the shapes above her. "Angela? Noah?"
Sebastian pupils dilated, but he didn't express anymore than that. "No, it's Sebastian. I'm the guy who delivered you food." Fareeha almost looked disappointed as she tried sitting up. Sebastian helped her up.
"Hold on Sebastian let me handle her." She looked over and examined Fareeha. After a minute it was clear. "You need to change your bandages with fresh ones along with medicine applied to your deeper cuts to avoid infection. As for your back, you need your muscles to relax or else the stiff muscles will make the bones in your back recover more slow. Luckily you can still move despite these disadvantages."
"Whoa. How did you know all that just by looking at her?" Angela turned around and winked. "I've got plenty of experience with examining wounds on the battlefield. This is child's play."
Sebastian whistled. "Can you tell me more about this later?" Angela nodded as Fareeha groaned again. "Luckily for you Fareeha, these injuries are treatable and if we had my staff, you'd be back to full strength in a few hours."
"Then let's get to work."
Everyone looked at the door as Sombra was standing at the door frame. "Sebastian will take care of your friend until you and me are done with repairing your staff. You can't expect to go to Vishkar without your equipment."
"What?"
"Don't act surprised, everyone's talking about it. Anyways Sebastian once you're done taking care of her, I need you to get groceries. We need to double our food supply since we got two more mouths to feed."
"We don't mean to be a burden." Sombra stopped her. "You're under our care. Well truthfully you're under his care. But I think as the main supply of money to this household, I can dictate how things will play out."
Sebastian gave a lazy salute. "Got it boss. I won't fail you." Fareeha and Angela took a quick glance at him before turning back to Sombra. "That's good, now Dr. Ziegler follow me. I know a few people willing to repair your equipment with a discount."
Angela followed the hacker out as they had many repairs to go through. That left Fareeha and Sebastian alone.
"Sooo, is there anything you need?" Sebastian asked. "Disinfectant. I didn't forget Angela's analysis. I assume you have medicine for it." Noah reached into the cabinet next to her and pulled out the bandages and medicine. "Alright, so how are we gonna do this?"
0-0-0-0-0-0
The plane landed into the private airway and opened to Burr. He stretched his arms and let the sun bathe him. St. Martinique. It's been a long time since he's stepped foot on his home grown soil.
"What's our next plan of action?" Burr turned and saw Widowmaker fiddling with a watch Winston gave her. She pressed a button and her less than human qualities disappeared. Her skin, eye, and hair color changed as Burr whistled. "A disguise? I guess I forgot about that."
"I am not wearing a hat and trench coat here. Especially when the heat is rising." Burr did notice the heat and walked down. "You get used to it. Anyways for what comes next is establish our current base. I told you about a nice hotel near the church where we can stay for the next couple days earlier. I took the liberty of texting the address."
He paused for a moment. "I want you to take a taxi and bring our equipment in. I'm gonna go carve out routes for us to take incase something happens."
"Will you be joining me at the hotel?"
"No. This is a relatively small town. Let me acquaint myself back with my childhood home. Besides if something were to come up, I'll let you know." Widowmaker nodded and pulled the two suitcases. Burr waved her goodbye for the moment and watched her get in taxi.
The car became a small dot as he sighed. He shouldered his backpack and walked out of the airway. His feet moved robotically as he tried imagining the alleyways, the shortcuts, the hiding spots of each section of the town. It was rather impressive especially since the Omnic Crisis reshaped the port town.
"Apples! Fresh apples here!" Burr looked up and found an old apple stand. He saw two boys talking to each other before the smaller one walked up to the stand. Burr noticed that he swept a couple apples off the counter. The owner didn't see them as they ran away.
'Huh, not bad. But as a role model, I must take the higher ground.' Burr sighed and pulled a few bills out. He walked up to the stand and bought an apple. He followed the kids and heard their footsteps. He jogged slowly and found one of them munching happily on one of them. He saw Burr and quickly ran away. Burr just increased his speed and knew those kids were in a dead end alley.
He walked up and turned to face the kids except no one was there. His eyes widened in surprise, but he shook his head. Maybe they found another way. That seemed very likely. "Burr! Burr!"
It was a child's voice. He turned around and found one of the kids. He was waving at him. Burr slowly waved back, but the kid stopped and ran away again. "What?"
He walked out of the alley and heard more giggling. He turned and found the kid looking right at him. "Come on Burr, you're so slow!"
"Kid, how do you know me?"
"Come on Burr, don't do that thing where you forget about me!" He gave Burr a very toothy grin. Burr narrowed his eyes as he watched the child hold out his hand. "Come on, mom's making pasta and I know you don't want to go to your dad's just yet."
"My dad's?" The boy pointed at a house with his thumb. "Your dad's. I know you hate it there." Burr scanned the house before taking a step back. It was his dad's. But how did this kid know his dad's…
He slowly turned to the kid. "Noah?" Noah chuckled. "Come on, my ma is welcome to put another place mat on the table." The kid ran off again and Burr chased after him. He ran past the church and the hotel as he chased the kid down.
Finally he turned a corner and faced a run down house. "Oh my God. It's still up." He walked over to the door and slowly opened it. He heard footsteps upstairs as he was about to run. "Burr?"
He stopped and looked at the source. "Ka-Katrina." There was a shadow at the end of the hallway as Burr walked closer. The woman moved over and phased through him. He looked just as tired yet upright.
He followed her through the house until they reached the dining room. Burr watched the decay around slowly repair itself. The broken house soon returned to its prime twenty years ago. Warm, snug, and overall alive. The table was set with fresh food and Burr saw Katrina putting down three placemats.
"Burr!" She gasped when she saw him. "I see Noah brought you over for dinner. It's a good thing I got that extra sense."
"Of course. You're as sharp as ever Ms. Bastian." Burr saw another figure move past him. He hasn't had that haircut in years. More specifically when he hit his teen years. "And may I just say you have kept this place impeccable as ever."
Katrina laughed as Burr turned at hearing footsteps. "Alright, I am so hungry!" Noah ran past his legs as he saw the three sit down at the table. Katrina lead a prayer as Noah followed her example while Burr kept his eyes open on the food. The older him closed his eyes as he heard conversation.
"...So the bunny runs off and leaves little surprises near Father Ray's class."
"Noah, what did I tell you about your "magic" show?"
"Don't do it. But mom, I'm good enough for it. And this way I can just be an entertainer from now on."
"I wouldn't jump so far ahead. You're gonna be working with me on our little business, right?"
"I'll find time for it along with my magic show." Burr felt old joy course through his body as he opened his eyes again and saw the three halfway through their meal. He smiled sadly as he knew where this was going. "Besides magic, I'm going to meet a few heroes next week."
"Heroes?!" Burr exclaimed excitedly. Both older Burr and Katrina laughed at his excitement while Noah looked at his mother with confusion. "Oh my God, are you going to meet Jack Morrison or Ana Amari? Oh, oh what about Gabriel Reyes! He's my favorite."
The irony of that statement was not lost on him. "Ana Amari, but unfortunately as rules say, I'm not allowed any children on the premises. Gideon has seen to that." Both young ones looked appalled by that notion as Burr crossed his arms. "I heard about him. Wasn't he one of those scientists that tried exploiting a town for free labor? I don't understand why you still work with him." Noah nodded in agreement.
"Vishkar has been kind enough for us to have this house and the possessions me and Noah have. I'm just working until we can transfer to the States. After that I can retire and gain a different job. Besides do not speak ill of my associates. It's very concerning if I allowed that while under their roof. Understand?"
Burr let his shoulders drop as Noah turned to his mother. "I just want us to leave and we can take Burr with us?" Katrina smiled at Burr's expression at that. "Most likely."
"Most likely? You can't really mean-" She raised her arm and smiled tiredly at him. "You've been a wonderful child and friend to Noah. I see as my own despite your father's legal custody over you. Besides I may or may not allow to come as my surrogate son if the paper's return."
Burr could feel his heart beat a million miles per hour. Noah beamed at him and shook his hands. "Surprise! Ever since you told us a few years ago, Mom and I were talking with a few people who can help you leave your dad."
He rubbed a few bruises and welts on his side as he could feel the two's love. "If-If that's alright, that would be nice." Katrina stood up and made Noah follow. "Well once my work's done and the paper works come through, you're more than welcome to call me Mom."
His eyes began to water as Burr knew what came next.
Noah jumped up in joy. "I'm getting brother! You know when I heard I was getting one, I thought mom met a guy." Katrina blushed at the compliment as Noah gave a cheeky grin. "But this is so much cooler!"
He hugged the younger Burr as Katrina put her hands on his shoulder. Burr wrapped an arm around Noah and held Katrina's tough hand. "Can I just call you mom now?"
Burr saw Katrina nod her head as they two tightened their warm embrace. The man standing in the doorframe felt waves of overwhelming regret and sadness wash over him. He hit the wall hard and the warm home disappeared. The broken home returned and the force caused the roof to crack.
The man rolled out of the way as a chunk of roof fell down and landed where he once was. Although he only dodged out of instinct. His mind didn't even register the event.
"Burr! Burr!" He felt two hands grab his shoulders and turn him around. He raised a fist and almost swung it before seeing it to be Amélie. She had an arm raised up in defense as she stopped him. "What are you doing? You ran past the hotel and into this house. The roof almost fell on top of you."
Amélie took the moment to look over him before calming down. "Burr, did it happen again?"
"I was just reminiscing."
"Come on, I got our equipment set up and ready. Once we get settled I can scout the area with you."
"Thanks." He replied with a blank expression. The two went into a small park where barely anyone was in and took a seat at the bench. "Mon cher, don't do this to yourself. I thought...I thought we got you over this."
"I won't be over this, Amélie." He looked at her and held her hand. "Do you ever...do you ever not see Gerard?"
"Quoi?" Burr rubbed his head as he knew this was sensitive territory. "I mean don't you ever feel guilty that you could've easily avoided the problem back then. Honestly I don't know how I can ever feel happy when I dragged him back."
Amélie didn't say a word and just held his hand. Burr saw the same kid looking at him and waving. He almost waved back, but stopped himself. "I don't know how I'm happy." He turned his eyes toward her as she seemed to let her eyes convey her own guilt.
"Brainwashing, emotional suppression, and the many lives I've taken. I sometimes forget that I was once a normal woman. I just remember the lives I've taken and feel guilt on how alive I felt taking them. We can't understand it, but it's better to move on. You don't have to forget it, you just have to let it go."
He laid his head on her shoulder. "When did you get so wise?"
"Well compared to what you have, I'm almost near Ziegler's IQ." He snickered at the small shade thrown at him. "It'll take me some time."
"I think you got plenty of time." Amélie replied. The two didn't notice on the rooftop above them was a hooded figure. He was looking down and glared at the back of their heads.
"Careful Aryt, if you look any closer you'll bore a hole into the back of their heads. And we don't want that. Yet." Aryt turned around and found Gideon walking toward him. "I suppose it was smart enough to find the brat and his pet. Truthfully I didn't think they'd come two days early."
"..." Gideon looked at his assassin and snapped his fingers. "Come now, there's no need to look so stoic. I know the area very well and I know this quaint little restaurant we should meet at."
Aryt followed Gideon before putting his hands in his pockets. "No point in spilling blood now. Come let's get ready for early negotiations."
0-0-0-0-0-0
"You can open your eyes now." Sebastian slowly put down his hands as Fareeha came out in new clothes. He looked up and whistled at the classic look. The t-shirt covered the bandages except the ones on her face. He managed to salvage her luggage once he scared their assassin away.
"Hehe, sorry you're stuck with me today. I think you'd prefer just lying down and-"
"No. I actually prefer getting up and doing something. Come on let's go." He nodded and the two went out. He opened the door and Fareeha faced the brisk weather of Washington. She shivered at the sudden drop of temperature. "Heh, yeah. Wearing hoodies year round is not a crazy idea here."
"Yeah I noticed but I'm fine." Sebastian looked at her with an analytical look. "If you say so. Now follow me to the barn."
Fareeha rolled down her sleeves for extra protection as Sebastian led her away from the house. The two walked into the distant barn and opened it. "Ah there's my girl." Fareeha watched him walk over to a tarp and pull it off.
It revealed the black and blue shell with the large twenty inch wheels. She took a closer look at the engine and couldn't help but appreciate how sleek it was. "This was my little pet project that I worked for the past year after I was checked out."
"I think I remember this vehicle. I believe it was one of the older models used in old movies."
"Aye, you got a good eye, Fareeha. This baby was left in the junkyard and I dragged this thing here and fixed it up. Sombra was merciful enough to let me keep it if I use it for deliveries for our products. Luckily the shop's closed for the week so today for you miss Amari, I am under your service."
"Oh." That was all she said as Sebastian did a cheesy bow. "Sorry I'm just a little nervous to not mess up in front of my heroes." She tilted her head. "Your heroes?"
"Yeah, um, I'm kind of a fan. When Sombra was helping me recover, she kept showing me images of you guys and safe to say I liked what you did. I couldn't do anything on the scale you guys do, but I like to imagine."
She felt heat build up in her cheeks as he got on and tossed her a helmet. "Safety first."
"Where's your helmet?" He shrugged. "I had enough money for one. Sombra wanted me to wear one for obvious reasons but most of the time I don't wear it." She looked at him as she passed the helmet back.
"Safety huh?"
"Eh do as I say and not what I do." She rolled her eyes and put the helmet on. He got on and started it. The engine hummed to life as she sat behind him. "Ok, so town is about half an hour away. So if we don't get stopped by any nasty friends of yours then we'll be fine."
"He wasn't my friend."
Sebastian shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I just hope we don't see him again since I barely escaped with my life." He grunted when he felt her grip tighten around him. "Hey don't worry I'm good at driving this thing. Trust me."
Fareeha didn't reply, but still held her grip. He joked about his skills, but he had an idea why she really held on. Sebastian sighed and drove out of the barn. The two hit the road fast and left a dust trail behind.
His passenger continued to hold onto him as they rolled through the road. She took a few moments wondering why she brought thin sleeved shirts. Maybe she should get more clothes afterwards. It wouldn't hurt to get something warm while she was here for the next few days.
They jolted for a second and she sat up with a little concern while Sebastian laughed. "You alright back there? It's fine. The state just needs to work on their infrastructure."
She didn't say anything before seeing the town begin to appear in the distance. Sebastian sped up just a bit before slowing down at the local gates. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. He rolled up to the toll booth and saluted the guard.
"Hey Greg!"
"How'ya doin Sebastian? Strange to see you visit twice in a row. Your girlfriend forgot some orders?" Fareeha felt a little off at imagining who would that be. "Sombra's working on a special order today. So no orders, I just got to do groceries."
The guard looked at his passenger and sighed. "And who's your friend? Can't let you pass without proper identification." Fareeha pulled off her helmet and the guard whistled. "Hey Sebastian where do you find the beauts? What's your secret?"
"Get an assassin to attack your car." Fareeha responded with a deadpan voice. Greg looked at her before chuckling. "And funny? Seriously, good eye Sebastian."
"Pft whatever. I'll see you later, Greg." James opened the gate as Sebastian strapped the helmet to his side. They drove through as Sebastian sighed. "Sorry about Greg. He's one of newer toll guards."
"It's fine. I don't mind." The two rolled into town and Fareeha was quite impressed by the quaint town.
Sebastian found a place to park and stopped there. They both got off and Sebastian pressed a button on one of the handles. The cycle immediately stuck to the ground as he tried pushing it.
"Awesome. Hopefully no one's gonna steal it this time."
"This time?" He twiddled his fingers. "Well yeah. Some of the local gangs wanted this thing, but so far I've been keeping them away. Anyways I got chores to do and I may need some help. I, uh, normally don't go shopping for guests since we have very few."
"That's alright. I would be glad to help in your time of aid."
"Oh my hero. How can I repay you?" He said in fake relief. Fareeha snickered at his ridiculous antics and looked at the list. "Aw geez I forgot, hey if your injuries start acting up and I'll drive us back home. I brought a medkit just in case."
Fareeha waved her hand dismissively. "I'll be fine. I've gotten worse injuries."
"If you say so. Here." He held out a small metal square. He pressed a button and it opened up. She found the purple glow...alarming. "It's a translocator. We can send the groceries back with this little tool."
"Translocator." She quietly said. "Yeah pretty cool right. You know these things can save you if you're in quite the predicament." Fareeha stared at the tool before looking at him. "Do I need a password or a switch?"
"Oh no." He reached over and cupped his hands over hers. "What you need to do is press the button here. I would let you do it my way, but we should start with the basics."
"That seems...highly useful." She seemed quieter now. Sebastian felt a little bit worry. "Hey it's not that complicated. And besides these are my models of the translocator. Sombra's got better ones, she might not want these anymore."
"Mm-hm." Sebastian was a little caught off guard by her sudden mood change. "Is something wrong?"
Fareeha glared at the device for another second before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Of course. It's all in the past."
0-0-0-0-0
Nothing like a memory of the past of your dead best friend and the possibly life you almost had while said friend is still alive just memory less. It's so great. Anyways I'm up for questions on the story in my PM, I read the reviews, and we are just 20 more follows before a 100! Go for gold baby! So fav, follow, and review for later chapters and till then Ciao