When Gabriel had said it was a long way to go, he had meant it. It took almost the whole day to finally reach the city. And while the trip itself remained uneventful, Simone was glad that they had made it before nightfall. She was so exhausted, both emotionally and physically, that when they arrived she asked to go straight to her new home for some sleep.
She wakes several hours later, and for the first time pays attention to her new surroundings. She got out of the overly large, plush bed and carefully walked to the windows. Looking out she saw the city.
If you could even call it that. Simone was used to large open spaces with lots of sunlight, Talon was almost built into the forest itself. It was a crowded criss-cross of trees and bridges, many of the buildings built high into the trees themselves. No stars in the sky, the tops of the trees blocking off the sight of the sky. There was plenty of light though, dancing lights in all hues of colors all over to keep out the dark. It was absolutely beautiful.
"Wow." She whispered leaning further out. She watched the city below her, surprisingly busy for it being night.
"Don't fall." Simone turned and saw Gabriel standing in the doorway.
"It's not what I thought it would be." Simone admitted.
"Not dark enough?" He asked as if reading her mind.
"You were in Overwatch once, you remember what they say about this place." She looked back out at the city.
"Nightmares to keep others away; to keep them safe." His voice was low, almost sad.
Simone felt the urge to say that not everyone heeded the warnings, such as Gabriel himself, but kept quiet.
"Eat, then sleep. You can explore the city tomorrow." Gesturing to one of her bedside tables at a tray of food, he turned and closed the door behind him. She turned back, leaning against the wall as she watched out the window. Simone was neither sleepy or hungry, choosing instead to watch the view below until the magical lights faded; replaced by early morning rays. She quickly groomed her wings, braided her hair, and changed her clothes. Gabriel said she could explore, and she had every intention of doing so. Before she went out the door she stopped at the tray of food, putting several small fruits and a small roll of bread into her pockets; she didn't have to stop when she got hungry now. Following the same route from the day before, she went down the long spiral staircase before taking a deep breath and going out to the city streets.
There were so many new sights and new sounds; Simone wanted to touch everything, the bright colors catching her attention easily. Her curiosity was seemingly limitless as she took in the new surroundings. She was actually enjoying herself. Much like Gabriel had guessed last night, she hadn't thought her new home would be colorful and amazing. She did still feel nervous, yes, but she could almost laugh about the fear she had before. Simone walked slowly, taking her time as she went through the city, learning as much as she could. She pulled snacks from her pockets every now and then, not stopping as she nibbled on them. The streets soon filled as other people woke and started their days. There was as much diversity here as there was in Overwatch, though her and her wings did get quite a few stares. They obviously didn't get any Nephilim visitors. She smiled and would give small nods, but the nervousness in her belly kept her mouth silent. As time passed she grew tired and more than ready for a bath; the warm humid air making her hair stick to her neck and back. She decided to head back, but when confronted with the stairs decided to take a shortcut. Wings brought her up quickly, reaching out she grabbed at her window ledge and pushed it open. With a happy sigh, she folded her wings in and sat comfortably on the edge, feet swinging in the air. She was happy with her productivity so far, she gave a soft smile.
"Where the hell have you been?" The words were a growl, causing her to jump as they took her by surprise. Gabriel was standing in her doorway, and he didn't sound pleased.
"What?" She asked, not really sure what he was trying to say.
"Did it occur to you that finding your room empty could cause some alarm? For all I knew you had run off, back to Overwatch."
"I...I'm sorry. I only went to see the city. I didn't mean to make you worry." She apologized, climbing fully into her room. Gabriel gave a harsh laugh.
"It wasn't worry. Leaving would mean the alliance is over." Simone flushed heavily, both in embarrassment and in anger. He turned to leave, obviously done belittling her. Her anger got the best of her and she called to his retreating form.
"You told me I could explore and I did. You should never have assumed I ran away. I entered this bond willingly and I'm not going to go back on my word." He stopped, barely turning his head to acknowledge her and then continued on his way.
"Jerk." She said under her breath. She had told him the truth, she wouldn't break their bond. Even if he thought she was silly or scared, or if he was being a horrendous jerk. She had seen the future, she had felt emotions that she wouldn't ever forget; even if she didn't feel them now, she knew she would. So she would stay, for the benefit of their people and for her own future happiness. Simone wondered why he was there when she saw that there was a large copper tub set up in the corner of her room. Her heart gave a little skip and she felt a small smile on her face. Her anger faded as she dipped her fingers into the water; it was still warm. Gabriel had obviously had it sent up for her, and that's when he found her gone. Was his hurtful remarks just the temper that Angela had mentioned he had when he was still human?
Simone's first month there was interesting. She liked to spend her mornings walking through the village. She had met many amazing people and tried so many new things. Her and Zenyatta had become good friends; he showed her around and knew how to brew some delicious tea. But her good experiences came with bad ones too. Gabriel avoided her a lot and ignored her the rest, and his second in command, Amelie, was equally hostile towards her. She spent a lot of time missing her old friends, her old home. But she would see them soon. It was time for the Council meeting, which meant she was going to spend the day back at Overwatch. After waking up she went to find Gabriel, she was going to invite him to go with her. After that first freak out, she wasn't sure how he would react to her going back. Inviting him seemed like the best solution. Of course, Simone found him with Amelie. She nodded hello to the taller woman.
"There is a Council meeting today." She told him. He looked at her, his mask betraying no emotion.
"Will you go with me?" She asked. The question made him stand a little straighter.
"Why would he go with you?" Amelie smirked. Simone narrowed her eyes, it was too early for her rudeness.
"Because he doesn't trust me." Simone answered truthfully.
"When?" He asked. Amelie rolled her eyes and left the room.
"Soon." Simone replied. She played with the hem of her sleeve nervously; it was the first time they had been alone together since her first day there. He left the room, and she sighed. Simone didn't understand why he was being so unpleasant, she wished he would be more like he was when they first met. She went to leave too but was stopped as she ran into Gabriel, steadying herself with a hand to his chest. Her cheeks burned with a bright flush. He had only gone to get his broadswords, strapping them to his belt as he came back. She took a large step back, hiding her hands behind her back. He stared down at her, mask as unreadable as ever.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes, I can open a portal whenever you want to go."
"Do it." She thought of the big, white council building, and felt her magic open the portal. She gave a shy smile and stepped through, waiting on the other side for him. He followed quickly, but immediately stiffened when he reached the other side. He seemed to instantly be on alert, hands at the ready on his sword hilts.
"Uhm, this way." She directed starting to walk to the council room. He probably already knew though, she grimaced to herself. He was probably very familiar with the layout. She pushed open the door and was immediately deafened by the sound. Everybody was so happy to see her, calling her name out when they saw her. Reinhart scooped her up in a bone crushing hug, causing her to laugh.
"Nice to see you too." She smiled. The mood quickly fell when Gabriel followed her into the room.
"Simone?" Jack growled, questioning. She stared him down.
"Be nice." She demanded more than asked. Jack frowned, pulling out a chair for her to sit next to him.
"HE can wait in the hall." Jack said. Gabriel gave what could have been a growl, but didn't say anything in retaliation.
"Jack!" Simone gave his shoulder a sharp poke.
"I asked him to come with me, so you will behave yourself."
"This is a council meeting, and usually that means council members only."
"He's fine, Jack. It's not like he hasn't attended a meeting before." Ana said from across the table. Gabriel came to stand behind Simone's chair, but far back against the wall. Crossing his arms across his chest, he stayed silent as he watched the room. Simone paid careful attention, eager for all of the new news, to hear how everyone was doing. It seemed like she had been gone for so long and for no time at all, she didn't even know it was possible but that's how she felt. Unfortunately, the meeting ended faster than she would have liked. Ana came to walk her to the door slowly as everyone filed out of the room at different paces, saying their goodbyes.
"How are you doing?" She asked with a pat to Simone's hands. Simone smiled.
"I'm good." She lowered her voice slightly.
"It's so pretty there, Ana. And the food is different but so good. Maybe next time I will bring you some tea to try."
"You sound happy. Some of us were worried." Ana admitted. Simone rolled her eyes jokingly.
"You all worry too much. You forget I am capable of taking care of myself. And that I'm older than almost all of you." Ana laughed. She gave Simone a hug and said goodbye. Now it was Jack's turn.
"Don't be a stranger." He said, giving her a tight hug. She gave a soft smile.
"I've missed you too." She returned the hug.
"I'll see you next month." Pulling away she gave his hair a small ruffle. Jack glared over her shoulder at Gabriel as he moved behind her. She felt a large hand on her lower back.
"Let's go." The slightest pressure pushed her forward.
"Bye Jack." She called over her shoulder as they left. Gabriel kept his hand against her back as they walked through the halls, finally exiting the building. She opened another portal, and they went through. As soon as they were back he backed away from her as if he was burned.
"Enjoy your little reunion?" He growled, anger dripping from his words.
"Nothing is wrong with being happy to see my old friends, Gabriel."
"Some more than others?" Her brows furrowed as she tried to understand what he meant.
"Is there something bothering you?" She asked, crossing her arms in front of her.
"What is your relationship with Jack?" Simone was actually surprised he answered.
"Jack…?" Suddenly it made sense. A tiny laugh escaped, she tried hiding it behind her hands.
"You're worried about Jack… and me?" Full blown laughter bubbled out, tears actually forming in her eyes. Gabriel obviously didn't appreciate her laughter, standing as tall as he could to glower down at her.
"Are you done?"
"I'm sorry. It's just…" She gave another chuckle.
"Jack is my brother." A big smile across her face. Gabriel froze.
"What?!"
"Well, half-brother." She explained.
"On our father's side. I'm older."
"He doesn't have any sibling." He argued.
"He didn't know. He only found out when I came to Overwatch 7 years ago." Gabriel groaned, hand to his forehead, claws scratching the mask.
"I can't believe I'm bonded to Jack ' The Golden Boy's' sister." He said under his breath.
"Have you been avoiding me because you believed Jack and I had a relationship?"
He growled but didn't answer. He turned quickly and was walking away when she ran to catch up.
"Gabriel?" He turned to look at her and then dissolved into black mist; escaping.
"Gabriel!" She stopped, giving a sharp exhale. WAS the reason he had been avoiding her because he thought she had been in a previous relationship? Or was he upset because she called him out on the actual avoiding? Simone decided that she wasn't going to let him get away with it anymore.