Overwatch and you

Gabriel Reyes x Reader: Sir

You sat down on the stool at the bar and felt how the stress melted away from your shoulders. You had just finished a long mission and had earned some R&R. A tall man approached you and sat down next to you just as you were about to order something. You managed to stop yourself from groaning when you saw who it was.
Yay, lucky you.
Of all people he just had to be the soul sucking almost always displeased if not pokerfaced Gabriel Reyes. People even joked behind his back about him looking and acting like the grim reaper stealing soul and fun from them.

" I'm not here to take your soul or fun. " The tall man said as if he had read your mind.

It felt like you were shrinking in his presence and you quickly nodded a greeting. You discreetly moved a bit to increase the space between Reyes and you.
You were one of the youngest recruits in Overwatch and had started out working under Jack Morrison. You had somehow ended up under Gabriel Reyes command and had never really understood why.

You preferred Jack Morrison who always acted friendly over Reyes who seemed ready to slap you into the next week or eat you alive if you as much breathed wrong. You had liked working with Morrison but it had mostly been light stuff. The missions you were assigned to together with Reyes always seemed to be a bit heavier.
It was one of the few things you liked about working with him, his mission always made you feel like you made a difference.
With time had you come to respect Reyes but it did not stop you from being on edge and feel uncomfortable whenever he was around. You always tried your best to limit the time you had to spend with him to work and missions only.

" You did well on the last mission. I saw how you handle that hostage situation without as much blinking. " Gabriel said and offered to buy you a drink.

You shook your head and declined the offer.

" Just doing my work, sir. " You answered with a flat voice.

Gabriel frowned and ordered a drink for himself.

" We are not on a mission or work, there is no need to call me sir." He said and took a sip when the bartender gave him his glass.

You did not know what to answer so you opted for staying quiet. You wanted to make up an excuse and leave him but your body refused to react. The two of you sat there quiet while music played in the background.

" There is something I must speak to you about." Reyes suddenly said with a serious tone without turning to face you.

You felt how it got cold in the room and you twirled your thumbs. Was he going to lecture you or something? Was it because the way you acted? Did he think your actions disrespected him? Was he going to make you quit Overwatch? You imagined at least twenty different outcomes of the situation and tried to come up with a good respond to everyone of them.
Thoughts stormed around in your head and you winched in surprise when you felt a big hand on your shoulder.

" It is because of me that you were moved from Jack's department. I requested you myself. I'm sorry if that caused you any trouble. " He said and gave you an uncharacteristically apologetic look.

This was not what you had expected and you had no idea how to act or react. You had prepared yourself to get fired or at least lectured but this was almost worse.

" Wha... b... why would you request me?" You managed to ask and tried to meet his eyes but end up avoiding them.

Reyes cleared his throat and looked away for a bit before you felt his eyes fixated on you.

" I saw potential in you and thought that it was being wasted on the silly Boy Scout missions Jack appointed you to. I knew you could do better so I requested you. So far you have lived up to every expectation and beyond. " He answered with a very matter of fact tone of voice.

You felt how your face got warmer and you quickly called over the bartender to order a drink as a distraction. It was not the first time someone had complimented you but sure felt like it. Morrison had praised your from time to time but he did so with everyone about almost anything. Show up on time and he would praise you as if you had single-handed ended the war. Hearing Reyes who always seemed disappointed say something nice about the effort you put in felt like something big and out of this world.

" Thanks, sir. I hope I will continue to live up to your expectations." You said with a shaking voice and tried your best too look him in the eyes as you spoke.

" My current mission is over, so just call me Gabe. " He said with a big smile and his warm hand still on your shoulder.

It was then you realised that you were probably going to enjoy being under his command.