The Villain Wrangler | Overwatch

Chapter 24

Angelica met the ladies on their way back, complementing Lena on her new blue locks and admiring Hana's bubble-gum pink streak, and collected her purchases. She declined to explain why she had left so suddenly, but she heard Sombra shushing anyone who brought it up.

Ana watched her leave, and sighed heavily. She sought out her commander, seeking to rectify her mistake. She found him in the gym, sparring with Gabriel. She watched them from the catwalk for a while, noticing that they were trading jokes and barbs more than fists. She was glad to see them flirting again. She drew back when Angelica entered the main floor, and observed.

Gabriel spotted Angelica first, and proceeded to flip Jack onto his back and march over to her. He swept her into a kiss, dipping her dramatically as she laughed. Jack propped himself on his elbows and watched, a slight grin on his face. Angelica walked over to Jack, bending over him to offer a hand up. He took advantage, and dragged her onto the mat, cushioning her as she fell, and rolled over her. He kissed her, then got up, offering her a hand in turn. Ana noted that Gabriel and Jack were grinning, happier than she could remember seeing them in years. The three discussed something, she couldn't hear what, then Angelica left, Gabriel and Jack watching her go.

Their match seemingly ended for now, Ana made her way to the main floor. "You both changed. I expected better," she began.

They turned when she spoke. Gabriel studied her, expressionless, while Jack glared. Gabriel lay a hand on his arm and asked, "Oh? You haven't even been back that long, and you're already trying to run our lives? Six years is a long time, Amari. You didn't use to be this uptight."

"Why did you threaten Angelica?" Jack growled.

"She is half your age, both of you. She is younger than Fareeha, and you- both of you- are pursuing a relationship-"

Jack cut her off with a snarl. "Angelica is an adult, and more than capable of making her own choices. She knew who we were and what we are capable of before we ever talked about a relationship."

Gabe studied her coolly. "You had just met her a couple weeks ago. We just started this last week. You hadn't even talked to her before you threatened her. You knew nothing about her, or us, before you started judging us. You overstepped yourself, Captain, but we aren't the ones you owe an apology. And before you think to meddle again, she is the best thing in our lives right now. Neither of us will forgive you for threatening that."

She inclined her head, saluted, and left, feeling their combined glares at her back. As the doors slid closed behind her, she resolved to speak with Angelica. She refused to see her companions hurt again, and she could see no way that this... fling would end well.

—

Angelica sat in her office, filing away a few charitable requests, when her phone rang. She glanced down at it, sighing when she saw Brad's nickname appear. He'd been calling frequently, and she was tired of it. She answered it.

"You cheated on me with my best friend, why the fuck do you think I want to acknowledge your existence?" she snapped.

"Angie, baby, I'm sorry! It was an accident. I love you. Please, forgive me?" he pleaded.

She scoffed. "Fucking someone is not something you do by accident. Move on, Brad. I have."

She ended the call, snarling at her phone as she set it down.

"Well. I think my timing could use a little work," someone said from her doorway.

She looked up, startled. She studied the woman in the doorway, a smile slowly spreading across her face.

"You must be Fareeha Amari."

Fareeha snapped a quick salute. "I received the recall notice, but had duties of my own."

"Hey, Athena? Tell Jack and Gabe that Fareeha's here." She turned to the other woman. "I don't really run things, so you'll have to talk to them."

Fareeha looked confused, but was cut off by Jesse's gleeful shout.

Angelica shook her head in amusement as the two caught up, Gabe and Jack eventually arriving and sorting out the details.

As they walked off, planning introductions and room assignments, Angelica frowned a bit.

"Hey Athena? Do we know if Ana contacted her daughter at all?"

"I am showing no record of Captain Amari making any external communication since her arrival," Athena replied promptly.

Angelica hummed in thought, studying her monitor. "And she was listed as deceased before everything came apart.... Athena? Pull up Captain Amari's file. I have some questions."

She had filled half of a notebook with half-thoughts and inconsistencies when Jack stopped by to bring her lunch.

He leaned against the doorway, a faint grin on his face as he watched her scowl at her computer, occasionally making a note on the pad next to her.

"I didn't think any of us were that hard to deal with," he joked, setting a tray down when she looked up.

"Not any of you. Athena gave me access to the old Overwatch files."

Jack nodded, dragging a chair around to watch what she had on screen. "Sure. Officially because of the office, most likely because she wants you to have it."

"I'm thinking option two. Ana was listed as deceased, she wouldn't have been sent the recall notice. And I don't think Fareeha knew she was alive."

"She didn't. They were fighting about it in the kitchen when I left."

"So, how did she know which base? How did she peg me as the only civilian?" She sighed, dropping her pen on the notebook. "I'm probably just seeing things because I don't like her much. I'm trying to, but she makes it hard."

Jack hummed, dragging the notebook toward him to flip through it. "Maybe. Talon had to have someone in the higher levels. But Ana?" He shook his head. "I can't think of anything Talon could offer that she'd want. But," he picked up the notebook, "I know you're thorough. I'll look into this, and get Gabe's opinion. And Gérard, if you think he's clean."

She nodded, finally noticing the tray. "Thanks for lunch. And for taking me seriously."

He smiled fondly and left, idly flipping through her notes as he walked. The smile slowly turned to a frown as he scanned everything she had found.

"Athena, tell Reyes I need him in Angelica's office. Now," he barked, turning on his heel and marching back.

He was unsurprised to see Gabe wraith past him turning into Angelica's office. Jack followed, closing and locking the door behind him.

"Alright. If you're seeing things, then I am too."

"And what are you both seeing?" Gabe asked, hitching a hip onto the desk.

Jack handed him the notebook. "Ana's Talon. Looks like she has been since Overwatch was made official."